LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) -- With New Jersey seeking political support for the expensive repair bill from Superstorm Sandy, some U.S. senators on Monday toured parts of the state that were devastated by the storm.
New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez led the tour Monday afternoon in the Holgate section of Long Beach Township, which was among the hardest hit areas of the Jersey shore in the Oct. 29 storm.
Senators Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Jon Tester of Montana joined Menendez. David Vitter, Republican of Louisiana, was scheduled to attend but couldn't make it due to bad weather.
The tour comes days after President Barack Obama asked Congress for $60.4 billion in federal aid for New Jersey, New York and other states hit by Sandy.
New Jersey elected officials are trying to drum up support for the state's funding request, particularly amid contentious negotiations between the two parties over spending and taxes to avoid automatic cuts scheduled to take effect next year, the so-called "fiscal cliff." Menendez in particular has invoked funding that was approved for past disasters including Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast, and tornadoes in the Midwest in calling for Congress to do likewise for New Jersey.
In a statement last week, the U.S. Senators from New Jersey and New York, all Democrats, acknowledged the potential difficulty in getting the funds approved in the current political climate, saying "This is going to be a tough fight in the Congress given the fiscal cliff, and some members have not been friendly to disaster relief."
Gov. Chris Christie, who has called the storm "New Jersey's Katrina," has said more than 30,000 businesses and homes in New Jersey were destroyed or experienced structural damage from the storm. He is seeking $36.9 billion for his state. It includes $29.4 billion in repair, response and restoration costs, plus $7.4 billion in mitigation and prevention costs to protect against future storms.
The measure being sought blends aid for homeowners, businesses, and state and local governments. Whether it passes this month or gets delayed in whole or part until next year is unclear.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-18 11:49:20 GMT
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 2:13 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:13:33 GMT
An Internet celebrity known on Facebook and YouTube as "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" was arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly Clark, N.J., man.
An Internet celebrity known on Facebook and YouTube as "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" was arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly Clark, N.J., man.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:39 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:39:46 GMT
A couple was found shot dead inside a park in Montclair, N.J.
A couple was found shot dead inside a park in Montclair, N.J. Police say they were responding to calls about shots fired when they discovered the bodies of Shanae Q. Howard, 24, of Orange and Brandon Brown, 26, of Montclair. The couple were found near a bench in Canterbury Park at around 10 p.m. on Thursday. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:05 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:05:50 GMT
Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-16 20:28:43 GMT
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Holgate, New Jersey following superstorm Sandy.
