Rep. Rice Statement on FEMA's Commitment to Review all Sandy Claims

Press Release

U.S Representative Kathleen Rice released the following statement today in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) announcement that they will conduct a complete review of all 144,000 flood insurance claims made by victims of Superstorm Sandy. Rice, who represents a Long Island district that suffered heavy damage during Sandy, has called repeatedly for a complete review of all claims to ensure that homeowners whose claims were improperly denied or underpaid can finally get the funds they deserve.

Statement from Congresswoman Kathleen Rice:
"More than two years after Sandy, too many victims are still fighting to get the funds they need to rebuild and come home to their communities. Too many legitimate claims have been denied or underpaid, too many people have been left feeling cheated by a program that they trusted to be there when they needed it. Reviewing all claims is simply the right thing to do.

"As I've expressed to Administrator Fugate, in light of the widespread allegations of fraud and improper denials or underpayments, I believe it's appropriate to conduct an independent, external examination of the National Flood Insurance Program and FEMA's oversight processes so that we know exactly what went wrong and can prevent it in the future. But our priority now has to be ensuring that all Sandy victims finally get the funds they deserve, and I'm pleased that FEMA is doing what must be done."

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