Opinion: Text of Local Officials' Letter to Congress

State Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, Conference Leader Dave Rible, and GOP Whip Scott Rumana sent the following letter to congressional leaders Monday inviting them to tour the damage Tropical Storm Sandy caused.

Officials and Govenror Chris Christie blame combative U.S. House of Representative Republicans for the delay in approving a Hurricane Sandy Relief bill.

The storm caused thousands of Wayne residents to go without power for nearly two weeks. 

Rumana represents the 40th Legislative District.

The letter reads:

Dear Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor:

As leaders of New Jersey’s Assembly Republican caucus, we are writing to you regarding the federal aid New Jersey is seeking to assist homeowners and small businesses recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. 

The destruction caused by this historic storm has ravaged many communities throughout New Jersey. President Obama and Vice President Biden have toured our state and have witnessed the enormous challenges we face.

We are disappointed that the House of Representatives failed to take action on appropriating funds for recovery efforts last night. It is equally disappointing that some elected officials in Washington have sought to significantly reduce the amount of funding requested by the President that would go toward the recovery effort in our state, New York and Connecticut.

We are respectfully requesting that you come to New Jersey and personally see the destruction caused by this superstorm. As residents and representatives of our state, we have witnessed the horrific impact of Sandy, and we can decisively say there is a big difference between seeing pictures or videos of the storm’s destruction and visiting the homes and businesses that are in desperate need of help from our federal government.  

The people of New Jersey are depending on you to help them. We believe an important part of that effort is for you to personally visit New Jersey to fully understand the extent of the financial assistance needed to rebuild our state and the lives of our residents.

If we can be of any assistance to you in this effort, please feel free to contact us.

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick            

Assemblyman Dave Rible

Assemblyman Scott Rumana