U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today led a New Jersey congressional delegation letter to President Trump supporting Governor Phil Murphy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, making the state eligible for more federal resources to combat the growing spread of COVID-19. There are over 2,800 confirmed coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in New Jersey.
“The federal government needs to provide support for our state and municipalities who have been frontline responders during this difficult time,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Trump.
Despite aggressive steps taken by the state to address the outbreak and mitigate its impact on residents and an overwhelmed health system, the delegation cited testing and protective gear shortages and strains on state and local budgets to confront the health and economic emergency.
“We ask that you approve Governor Murphy’s request, which would make our residents eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA). Federal funds will allow New Jersey to provide Disaster Unemployment Insurance, Childcare Assistance and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance. These programs, along with others that Governor Murphy officially requested, will help equip New Jersey with the necessary resources to respond to the immediate health pandemic and its corresponding economic impacts,” the letter continued. “In addition, we call for the approval of Governor Murphy’s request for FEMA Public Assistance programs. Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures, Direct Federal Assistance, and Community Disaster Loans will mitigate the financial burden imposed on state and local governments.”
The letter was signed by Sens. Menendez and Cory Booker and U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Tom Malinowksi (N.J.-07), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12).
He slanders the president on a daily basis and now hes begging for favors good luck with that
Paychecks to congress should not be given till they pass a bill for this
disease and they should not be allowed to attach their personal “riders” !
Grandstanding. Trump has already designated the funds to Governor’s who ask. It’s Dems like him that will be holding them up with all the treif Chazir they trying to sneak into the bill at our suffering and expense. Ganuvim. Minuvalim. In any case they don’t need to write letters. It’s already spelled out. They’ll do anything to bolster their top priority: Orange Man Bad, they’ll find any phony way to spin everything to turn public opinion against him. They need him out because their own selfish, greedy and perverse interests will be gone as long as he’s in charge.