A little known regulation is now in the spotlight because of Hurricane Irma.
Thanks to the storm, the State Department has been helping stranded U.S. citizens flee the Caribbean islands devastated by Irma and Jose. But before they board a plane, there’s a piece of paper to sign.
It is a promissory note requiring them to pay back the U.S. government all costs associated with their rescue… airfare included. Some of the people that got taken out were surprised by the demand.
The note reads: "I promise to repay the U.S. government in U.S. dollars or the foreign currency equivalent within 30 days of initial billing, and if not repaid within 60 days of initial billing at an interest rate established in accordance with Federal law for all applicable expenses for my/our evacuation.”
Before you point fingers at our modern government for demanding cash for help, you should know the law was put in place back in 1956!
The State Department has aided in the evacuation of more than 1,500 people from St. Martin since Friday.Source: Free Beacon