Representatives Malinowski and Watson Coleman Lead NJ Delegation in Urging Congressional Appropriations Committees to Supply Emergency Funding for Families Impacted by Tropical Storm Ida

(Somerville, NJ) Today, Representatives Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) led the entire New Jersey bicameral congressional delegation in a letter urging Congressional Appropriations Committees to supply emergency funding for the state of New Jersey in wake of the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Ida. Emergency supplemental appropriations would immediately help the thousands of New Jerseyans who suffered catastrophic damage to their homes and who will undoubtedly need more assistance in the long-term.

“New Jersey faces a long, difficult road to recovery from Tropical Storm Ida. In fact, the damage in many parts of the state is worse than the aftermath caused by Hurricane Sandy, which rightly merited an emergency supplemental funding bill. The storm caused the tragic and heartbreaking deaths of over two dozen people, left hundreds homeless, crippled our infrastructure and transportation networks, and damaged countless homes and small businesses,” wrote the New Jersey lawmakers. 

On September 6^th, President Biden declared a major disaster in six New Jersey counties, including Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, unlocking FEMA assistance for individuals and business owners. Residents can begin applying for federal assistance here. Additional counties are expected to be announced. Constituents of New Jersey’s 7^th Congressional District seeking help accessing these benefits can contact Representative Malinowski’s office by clicking here. Residents outside of the declared major disaster areas can visit here to report damages and learn more about the FEMA assistance to come.

Read the text of the letter below or here.

Dear Chair DeLauro and Leahy, Ranking Member Granger and Vice Chairman Shelby:

We are requesting emergency supplemental appropriations as soon as possible for the New Jersey region in the wake of Wednesday night’s destruction caused by Tropical Storm Ida. To date, the storm has taken 27 lives in New Jersey — more fatalities than in any other state in the Northeast.[1] While the recovery and damage assessment continue, we ask that you act swiftly so that we can get Jersey’s families, small businesses, and local governments back on their feet.

On Wednesday night, September 1, the remnants of Hurricane Ida slammed the Garden State with raging flash floods, tornadoes, and record rainfall. At Newark Liberty International Airport, the National Weather Service reported severe flooding with 3.24 in. of rain in only a one-hour span.[2] Not only were flights canceled, but NJ Transit suspended almost all of its rail service and over 80,000 people lost power.[3]

New Jersey faces a long, difficult road to recovery from Tropical Storm Ida. In fact, the damage in many parts of the state is worse than the aftermath caused by Hurricane Sandy, which rightly merited an emergency supplemental funding bill. The storm caused the tragic and heartbreaking deaths of over two dozen people, left hundreds homeless, crippled our infrastructure and transportation networks, and damaged countless homes and small businesses.

We are thankful to President Biden for his approval on September 2 of an Emergency Declaration and on September 5 of a Major Disaster Declaration that included six New Jersey counties. We hope that the remaining counties impacted by the storm are included in the next disaster declaration. While these approvals are essential first steps, an emergency supplemental funding bill is needed for the many thousands of people who suffered catastrophic damage to their homes who will undoubtedly need more assistance in the long-term. We are also encouraged that on September 7 the White House announced support for additional emergency funds for areas impacted by Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters.

Let’s show the American people that we can still come together to help each other in our most desperate time of need. We will rebuild and come out stronger on the other side. We thank you for your attention and consideration of our request for emergency supplemental appropriations for the state of New Jersey and surrounding areas to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida.

Sincerely,