Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo Surveys Areas Hit By Hurricane Sandy
Toms River, NJ – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) released a statement today after surveying areas in New Jersey and New York that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
“I came to the Northeast today to see firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy and to meet with my colleagues about securing immediate relief and assistance for those suffering from the storm. I was saddened to see the hard-hit portions of New Jersey and New York. I was reminded of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Mississippians have been through much of what the Sandy victims are experiencing.
“Now is the time for the federal government to provide immediate relief to those affected by the storm. I am fully committed to providing the relief they so desperately need.
“Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy have clearly demonstrated the need to revisit reforms for disaster relief. I spoke directly with House leadership this week about achieving meaningful disaster relief reform, and I remain committed to this much-needed national discussion.“
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said the following after speaking with Palazzo on Tuesday: “As the representative of the Katrina-damaged Mississippi Gulf Coast, Steven Palazzo is the natural leader for disaster relief reform in the 113th Congress.”
“I want to thank my colleagues for meeting with me today to survey damage in their districts and to discuss Sandy relief measures moving forward,” Palazzo said. “They have my unwavering commitment in advocating for the next round of assistance to be considered in Congress.”
Palazzo’s tour included some of the hardest-hit areas of New Jersey and New York in Rep. Jon Runyan, (NJ-03), and Rep. Michael Grimm’s,(NY-11), districts.
“I am pleased that Congressman Palazzo has decided to come to New Jersey and witness, firsthand, the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy,” said Congressman Runyan. “It is important for Members of Congress to understand the severity of the devastation caused by the storm and how much work there is to be done for a full recovery. I would welcome any of my colleagues to come to New Jersey before the scheduled vote on January 15th, so they can truly understand how vital these funds are to the recovery and the residents of New Jersey.”
Congressman Grimm stated: “Rep. Palazzo’s district has been repeatedly ravaged by hurricanes, so if anyone knows how crucial federal aid is to recovery efforts, it would be him. It means a lot to the people of Staten Island and to me that he took the time to see the devastation with his own eyes. I am personally grateful for him coming to Staten Island and for his support on this crucial relief package.”
Palazzo was recently named to the House Committee on Homeland Security, where he plans to continue working on disaster relief reform measures.
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Rep. Steven Palazzo News Release
1/8/13
Magnolia Tribune
