Reps. Rangel, Pascrell, Larson And Crowley Call On Congress To Provide Tax Relief To Victims Of Hurricane Sandy

Press Release

Today, Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), John Larson (D-Conn.) and Joe Crowley (D-NY), all members of the tax writing Committee on Ways and Means, announced they are working on legislation in concert with Governors from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to provide tax relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The legislation, modeled after a similar bill passed into law after Hurricane Katrina, is aimed at providing tax relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy throughout areas designated as Federal Emergencies by the President.

"There are thousands of people who are suffering in our communities as a result of Hurricane Sandy," said Rep. Charles B. Rangel. So many have lost their lives, homes, businesses and jobs. This tax relief is just a small part of the recovery efforts and is absolutely necessary. We must act now so that the benefits will be available when the individuals and companies fill their 2012 tax returns."

"Looking around at the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, it is obvious it will take years to rebuild what was lost," said Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. "One of the first steps we can take is to provide tax relief to the victims of this storm. It will help in rebuilding the lives and businesses that have been devastated by this historic storm."

"With a level of destruction not seen from a storm in the North East since '38, we need to respond as quickly as possible to help the millions of Americans affected by Hurricane Sandy," said Rep. John Larson. "This bill is a good first step that will bring much needed relief to people and businesses who desperately need it. I hope our colleagues will recognize the urgency of getting this done."

"There is no question that the families and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy have a long, tough road ahead of them," said Rep. Joe Crowley. "Millions of people lost so much as a result of this devastating storm, and this legislation will help provide some relief as they begin the daunting challenge of piecing their lives back together."

Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall south of Atlantic City, New Jersey on Oct. 29, left millions of residents and businesses without power for days, resulting in billions of dollars in personal loss and infrastructure damage throughout the North East.