RELEASE: Gottheimer Tours Hurricane Ida Damage in Hackensack

Sep 05, 2021
Press

Emphasizes need to get FEMA emergency dollars to struggling families | Stresses importance of investing in climate resilience, including passing Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill in September | Thanks first responders

 

Above: Gottheimer touring flood damage in Hackensack.

HACKENSACK, NJ — Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) toured damage from Hurricane Ida, which tragically led to 27 deaths in New Jersey, record rainfall, historic levels of flooding and damage, and power outages for thousands of residents and businesses.

In Hackensack today, Gottheimer emphasized the need for families to receive emergency FEMA assistance in the coming weeks. He also stressed the importance of investing in climate resilience, including passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill this September, which will help ensure our roads, bridges, tunnels, transit systems, water treatment plants, and other infrastructure are better prepared for future storms and flooding.

Gottheimer was joined today by Hackensack Councilmember Leo Battaglia and Hackensack City Manager Vincent Caruso.

“Our hearts go out to every single Jersey family and business damaged by Hurricane Ida this week, especially those who lost loved ones. We must get emergency FEMA assistance to these families. It’s clear that our changing climate is making storms like Ida even worse, which means it’s absolutely critical that we make the necessary investments in our infrastructure, transit, and electric grid,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will make critical investments to increase our infrastructure’s resilience to climate change. We can’t afford any delays. We must get the legislation out of the House and to the President’s desk this month. For the families that lost loved ones in the past week’s storm, and for all the North Jersey businesses and communities that were crushed by Ida, we simply can’t delay.”

Following urging from the entire New Jersey congressional delegation, President Biden swiftly issued an Emergency Declaration to New Jersey, ordering federal assistance to help state and local response efforts.

The President’s action authorizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties. FEMA is authorized to respond, identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.

Below: Gottheimer thanks members of the Hackensack Fire Department.

 

Below: Gottheimer visits with Hackensack residents and tours storm damage in the community with Hackensack Councilmember Leo Battaglia.

 

 

 


###

Recent Posts


Oct 1, 2024
Press

RELEASE: Gottheimer Statement on the Second Direct Iranian Attack Against Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, October 1, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on the second direct Iranian attack against Israel: “Today, the Iranian regime launched a second major direct attack against our critical ally in the Middle East, Israel — putting innocent civilians in harm’s way. Since October 7, Iran, the world’s […]



Sep 30, 2024
Press

RELEASE: Ahead of the Election, Gottheimer Announces Two New Bills to Protect Poll Workers

Above: Gottheimer announcing new legislation to protect poll workers. FORT LEE, NJ — Today, September 30, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), announced two new pieces of legislation to protect poll workers from increased threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation. This work expands on Gottheimer’s “Election Integrity Strategy” which includes his bipartisan “Unity Commitment” which commits […]



Sep 26, 2024
Press

RELEASE: Gottheimer, Hill Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect the Credit Scores of American Hostages & Wrongful Detainees

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and French Hill (AR-2) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Fair Credit for American Hostages Act, to safeguard the credit score of American hostages or wrongful detainees. According to a report from the Foley Foundation, hostages routinely face a “ruined credit stemming from unpaid debts and fines incurred during captivity.” After being held hostage or […]