Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5) toured damage from Hurricane Ida, which tragically led to 27 deaths in New Jersey, record rainfall, historic levels of flooding and damage, and power outages for thousands of residents and businesses.

In Hackensack today, Gottheimer emphasized the need for families to receive emergency FEMA assistance in the coming weeks. He also stressed the importance of investing in climate resilience, including passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill this September, which will help ensure our roads, bridges, tunnels, transit systems, water treatment plants, and other infrastructure are better prepared for future storms and flooding.

Gottheimer was joined today by Hackensack Councilmember Leo Battaglia and Hackensack City Manager Vincent Caruso.

“Our hearts go out to every single Jersey family and business damaged by Hurricane Ida this week, especially those who lost loved ones. We must get emergency FEMA assistance to these families. It’s clear that our changing climate is making storms like Ida even worse, which means it’s absolutely critical that we make the necessary investments in our infrastructure, transit, and electric grid,” Gottheimer. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will make critical investments to increase our infrastructure’s resilience to climate change. We can’t afford any delays. We must get the legislation out of the House and to the President’s desk this month. For the families that lost loved ones in the past week’s storm, and for all the North Jersey businesses and communities that were crushed by Ida, we simply can’t delay.”

Following urging from the entire New Jersey congressional delegation, President Biden swiftly issued an Emergency Declaration to New Jersey, ordering federal assistance to help state and local response efforts.

The President’s action authorizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts in New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties. FEMA is authorized to respond, identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.