Democratic lawmaker calls for 9/11-style commission to investigate hurricane deaths in Puerto Rico

This is an important step but it is not likely to get the attention it needs in Congress. That is why we are calling on the United Nations to host a forum to audit the deaths and the debt. Please consider taking a next step to SHARE this petition and influence more people to support our collective efforts. Here's an excerpt from the CNN article and press conference: Democratic Rep. Nydia Velázquez called Wednesday for a commission to investigate Hurricane Maria death tolls, after a report published last week in a prestigious medical journal revealed an estimated 4,645 people died as a result of the disaster last year. "We need an analysis of how this low death count may have shaped the inadequate federal response," she said during a news conference with her fellow Congressional Hispanic Caucus members. "Today, I am calling for the establishment of an independent commission similar to what we had after 9/11, to examine the death toll, the federal response and how FEMA and other agencies may have responded sluggishly based on artificially low numbers." On Monday, a group of Democrats in the House -- including some Hispanic Caucus members -- sent a letter to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop requesting an investigation into the Trump administration's response to Hurricane Maria's devastation in Puerto Rico, specifically citing the study. "We therefore respectfully request that our Committee conduct a hearing before the August recess to properly evaluate this newly-available information as well to assess the urgent needs that remain in Puerto Rico," the letter read. It noted the upcoming hurricane season as another reason to prepare for the hearing. Ranking member Raul Grijalva and Rep. Ruben Gallego, as well as 12 others on the committee, signed the letter that was dated Monday. The chairman's office responded to CNN's request for comment Wednesday, saying he has "committed to holding a hearing this July on energy solutions and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico post Hurricanes Maria and Irma."