Congressman Charles B. Rangel applauded the Obama Administration's swift decision to provide emergency aid to Puerto Rico in light of a weekend fire that has caused millions in damages and forced hundreds from their homes.

"President Obama has rightfully stepped in and assured our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico that the economic downturn will not stop us from doing the right thing," said Rangel. "Federal aid will be available to help Gov. Luis Fortuño and other local agencies respond to this disaster.

Rangel said that his office was working with leaders in Puerto Rico and on the U.S. mainland to facilitate relief efforts in the island. Local residents who want to get involved with relief efforts on the island can do so by contacting the Red Cross at 787-758-8150.and Servicios Sociales Católicos de Puerto Rico (Catholic Social Services) at (787) 727-7373.

"Although it's true that we can't personally drive those fire engines and we can't personally distribute aid, there are still lots of other ways in which we can all help," said Rangel.

Rangel said that he and his Congressional colleagues would continue to work to ensure that aid would flow as quickly as possible to the areas affected by the fire, which include the municipalities of Bayamón, Cataño, Guaynabo, San Juan, and Toa Baja.

"We will do all that we can to make sure that our government does not stray from its commitments and that bureaucratic red tape does not impede any relief efforts to the affected area." said Rangel. "We must never forget that our country's strength lies not just in the size of our military, but also in the depth of our compassion."

According to media reports, an explosion at the fuel storage complex in Cataño on October 23rd started a two-day fire that spewed thick, toxic smoke across the Caribbean region, forcing hundreds of people on the island to evacuate.

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