AP – NJ Politicians Praise Passage of Sandy Flood Aid
January 21, 2013NEWARK (AP) — Days after blasting House leadership for inaction, New Jersey’s congressional delegation had praise and applause for their colleagues Friday, lauding the passage of a measure to fund flood claims from Superstorm Sandy.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a $9.7 billion measure to fund the National Flood Insurance program.
Congressman Chris Smith said the measure is “critically important” to help New Jersey recover and rebuild.
“The devastation unleashed by Sandy is without precedent and the impacted communities are in dire need of comprehensive assistance,” Smith, a Republican whose district was affected by the storm, said in a statement. “Nowhere is this more evident than in the sheer magnitude of the housing damage and the subsequent housing need.”
Representative Frank LoBiondo said the money is crucial.
“Today’s vote is a key step in getting critical federal assistance to the residents, businesses and communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy,” LoBiondo, a Republican, said in a statement. “This week’s events make it clear that the need for help is real and that any additional delays in providing federal aid will be met with fierce resistance from myself, members of the delegation, and Governor Christie.”
