"The Northeast Needs Our Help Now"
Press Release
Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04) joined his colleague, Congressman Jon Runyan (NJ-03), in pushing for support and passage of Hurricane Sandy relief to be considered on Tuesday, January 15th, as the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 was being considered on the House floor Monday. Just last week, Runyan escorted Palazzo on a tour some of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy in Runyan's New Jersey district.
In a letter sent to colleagues who opposed the $9 billion package on January 4th, Palazzo compared the damage from Hurricane Sandy to that of Hurricane Katrina, acknowledged conservatives' fiscal concerns, and cited Monday's reform package as a good first step in the "much longer process of reforming our disaster relief system."
"I believe we as Americans will work to do what is responsible by reforming our disaster relief system, but we will also always do what is necessary to provide help to those in need," Palazzo stated in the letter.
Congressman Runyan thanked Palazzo for his support for Sandy victims as well as applauded steps taken to improve disaster response and relief.
"I want to thank Congressman Palazzo once more for his willingness to visit some of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy with me, and working to get aid to the victims," Runyan stated. "We all believe that there should be accountability and oversight on any and all federal dollars, but the individuals, families, and businesses should not be forced to wait any longer on Washington."
"I want to thank Congressman Runyan for hosting and showing me the immediate needs in the communities he serves," said Congressman Palazzo. "He should be applauded for his efforts to quickly bring aid to all the victims of Hurricane Sandy."
The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act, which includes Palazzo's measure requiring a national strategy on disaster relief reform, would streamline disaster response and expedite individual assistance to disasters such as Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina.
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