Pallone Announces Extension of Deadline for Sandy Victims to Complete Mitigation Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2018


Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Sandy victims to complete mitigation projects using Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funding by 3 years. Last month, Pallone and members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation asked FEMA Administrator William “Brock” Long to extend the deadline.

ICC provides up to $30,000 towards the significant cost of elevating, moving, or otherwise flood-proofing homes in order to come into compliance with local floodplain management laws and ordinances. As a result of delays in recovery for some Sandy survivors, many homeowners have found themselves unable to complete projects, and were at risk of losing the ability to access their ICC funds by the previous October 29, 2018 deadline.

“I am glad that FEMA heeded the call to extend the deadline three years. It is the right and moral decision. Homeowners still struggling to rebuild from the devastation of Sandy should not be forced to meet an arbitrary deadline,” said Congressman Pallone. “The combination of flood insurance payouts being delayed and the failures of the past state administration in its recovery program has prevented many New Jerseyans from rebuilding. These residents paid premiums to receive coverage and they should not be cut off from receiving this badly needed assistance.”

Pallone Blasts Trump Proposal to Sell off Gasoline reserve Created in Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2017


Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, blasted the Trump administration for proposing to sell off the entire gasoline reserve created in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. In 2012, Sandy caused widespread issues related to the availability of gasoline. In response to help build a more secure and resilient energy infrastructure, the Energy Department, with the encouragement of Congressman Pallone, established the first federal regional refined petroleum product reserve containing gasoline. The Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve would assist New Jersey, New York and other states in the Northeast during an emergency.

“President Trump may have forgotten the devastation that Sandy brought to New Jersey, but my constituents and I have not. Access to gasoline was severely limited in the aftermath of the storm, causing major problems in the region impacting homeowners, businesses and emergency personnel. We learned hard lessons from this experience and put in place a plan to make the region more resilient when another storm strikes. With many New Jerseyans still rebuilding, it is stunningly shortsighted for President Trump to abandon a measure that can save our economy and even save lives in an emergency.”

Pallone Calls inability of FEMA to Resolve Sandy Claims “Unacceptable”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2017



Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate to express disappointment with the continued delays for claim reviews from victims of Superstorm Sandy. Although Superstorm Sandy occurred over four years ago, 36% of Sandy claims still remain open.

"These policyholders have been waiting for years to get their claims resolved, and are eager to move on with their lives,” said Pallone. “I have heard from constituents who began the process with a FEMA contact, only to have that person leave their position, causing the victim to spend weeks or months trying to connect with their new contact. FEMA should be focused on resolving claims, not blaming victims for delays.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy. At the meeting, Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.

Last year Congressman Pallone introduced the Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act and he will introduce in the new Congress. The bill would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%. Pallone’s bill also includes a provision to require that private flood insurance companies cover the legal fees of plaintiffs if the company is found to have committed fraud.

The text of the letter can be found below:


W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write to express my disappointment with FEMA’s continued delays for Superstorm Sandy victims, specifically those who had requested third-party claim reviews. It is unacceptable that these victims have to continue to wait because of errors on the part of FEMA. As of December 16, 2016, more than four years after the homes and businesses of victims were destroyed, 36% of Sandy claims remain open. FEMA’s continued slowness in resolving these claims is not acceptable. I respectfully request that you prioritize expediting the Sandy claims review process in your final weeks at FEMA, and that you strongly encourage your successor to work to complete this process as quickly as possible.

Last month, FEMA announced more delays for Sandy Claims policyholders for those opting to request a third-party claim review. According to FEMA, the process is experiencing delays due to policyholders submitting “lengthy and/or unrelated supplemental documentation,” which must then be reviewed by the Adjuster.

The issue of too much documentation could be avoided with clear direction from FEMA as to what documentation is needed to ensure that the claims review process can move forward smoothly. These policyholders have been waiting for years to get their claims resolved, and are eager to move on with their lives. I have heard from constituents who began the process with a FEMA contact, only to have that person leave their position, causing the victim to spend weeks or months trying to get in connect with their new contact. FEMA should be focused on resolving claims, not blaming victims for delays.

When I spoke with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation, in May 2016, he assured me that the agency was making substantive progress and would have fully processed all claims by the end of the summer. As of FEMA’s status report in mid-December, that target still has not been reached. This is frustratingly slow progress, especially since a claim being “processed” means it has only gone through a desk review. FEMA has to pick up the pace.

The halting progress of the Sandy Review process has become a source of exasperation for many Sandy victims, and I remain committed to pushing for my constituents to receive their due benefits without further unnecessary delay. While I recognize that your time at FEMA is coming to a close, victims of Superstorm Sandy cannot move on while their claims hang in limbo. I call on you to work with your successor to ensure a smooth transmission at FEMA that prioritizes the completion of the Sandy claims review process.

Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

GAO Report Confirms Need for Pallone’s Bill on Flood Insurance Transparency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2017


Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on the compensation paid to Write-Your-Own (WYO) companies that administer the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The report confirms the need for Congressman Pallone’s Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act, which he introduced last year and will introduce in the new Congress. The bill would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%.

The report states “FEMA continues to lack the information it needs to incorporate actual flood expense data into its compensation methodology as well as determine how much profit WYO companies make and whether its compensation payments are appropriate.” In July 2016, Pallone led a bipartisan letter asking FEMA to fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the WYOs.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. This reports confirms yet again that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policy holders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and it better get to work.”

In May, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

After that letter was sent, Pallone and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) met with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to demand that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Pallone Introduces Legislation to Cap Flood Insurance Profits & Hold FEMA Accountable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2016



Long Branch, NJ – Today Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the Flood Insurance Reimbursement Standards Transparency (FIRST) Cap Profits Act, which would require increased oversight and transparency of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and cap the profits of private companies providing flood insurance at 10%. Congressmen Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined as original cosponsors of the legislation.

Congressman Pallone began drafting the legislation after hearing from New Jersey residents that were treated unfairly by FEMA, private insurance companies or both in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. After discussing the proposed legislation with constituents at an event in Highlands in October, the Congressman added a provision to require that private flood insurance companies cover the legal fees of plaintiffs if the company is found to have committed fraud.

A 2009 GAO report found that profits for flood insurers averaged 16.5%, while a more recent study found profits closer to 30%. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent disasters, FEMA and NFIP have faced accusations of incompetence and fraud, which has led to thousands of New Jersey families being overcharged or without the payments they rightly deserve.

“It is shameful that private insurance companies have profited from Sandy while failing to meet their basic obligations under the NFIP. It is inexcusable that FEMA has failed to provide proper oversight of those entities - especially when Congress has already empowered and required the agency to do so,” said Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to ensure that policyholders are treated fairly and charged a fair market price for the service they purchase, and my bill will take an important step in that direction. I will also be using the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program next year as an opportunity to push for more accountability from FEMA and insurance companies.”

Earlier this year, the Frontline documentary “The Business of Disaster,” examined issues with flood insurance after Superstorm Sandy. During the documentary, Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation, was asked if he knew how much profit private insurance companies servicing NFIP were making. He responded, “I’ve never looked at the book of business to understand their profits.”

Frontline did its own analysis and concluded that private insurers made more than $400 million in profits from FEMA in the year that Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic coast – its highest profit in the 4-year period from 2011 to 2014. Between 2011 and 2014, industry-wide profits averaged $325 million a year –nearly 30% of the revenues the companies receive from FEMA. At the same time, many of those insurers were underpaying or outright denying legitimate flood insurance claims.

The FIRST Cap Profits Act would rectify this problem by forcing FEMA to review the finances of these companies, something it was required to do by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012. Additionally, by capping profits at 10%, the legislation would ensure that taxpayer dollars are going towards policyholders, while leaving room for these companies to make a profit for administering the program.

Congressman Pallone has been a leader in demanding transparency and swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from inefficiencies and documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In May, Pallone led another bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation requesting that FEMA take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from fraud and for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process insurance claims from Sandy. Later that month, Pallone met with FEMA officials and stressed that the slow pace of the claims review process was unacceptable, and that FEMA needs to act to ensure that New Jersey policy holders are treated fairly and receive just compensation. In July, Pallone led a bipartisan letter asking that FEMA fulfill its legal obligation to provide oversight of the private insurance companies that participate in the NFIP.

Pallone, Army Corps and DEP Announce Beginning of Construction for Phase II of $105 million project for Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction in Port Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2016


Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bob Martin, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection and Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger, to mark the beginning of construction for Phase II of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth.

In July of 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $13,696,687.00 contract to fulfill this second phase of the project. The plans for Phase II include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road raising and pump stations The awarded contract is specifically for the construction of the flood wall and a road closure gate east of the existing Keansburg levee. Phase I was successfully completed in June of 2015. This contract is part of the estimated $105 million project to protect Port Monmouth, and is paid for by funds in the Sandy relief package that Pallone worked to secure in 2013.

“All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased,” said Pallone. “That’s why I’m pleased to see this project moving forward with the funds we worked to secure after Sandy. I will continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and DEP to ensure that Phase II is completed on budget and in a timely manner.”

“Today marks an important milestone for this critical project, which will ultimately see floodwalls, levees, a tide gate, road closure structures and pump stations throughout Port Monmouth,” said Bob Martin, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “The Port Monmouth Coastal Storm Risk Reduction project will provide protection to low-lying residential and commercial structures. It marks another key component in the Christie Administration’s plan to bring greater resiliency to coastal and flood-prone areas of the state.”

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in the groundbreaking of Phase 2 for the Port Monmouth Coastal Strom Risk Reduction Project," said Col. David Caldwell, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District. "We're in the middle of another Hurricane season and though we haven't been directly impacted, I believe the events taking place in other parts of the country re-emphasize the need to continue increasing the resiliency of our towns and communities with robust flood risk reduction projects like those currently underway in Port Monmouth. This brings us one step closer to that goal."

“The start of the Port Monmouth Flood Control Project’s second phase is a welcome sight since it means we’re another step closer to recovery after Superstorm Sandy,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Ph.D.. “Port Monmouth homeowners and businesses will be safer in the future thanks to the flood control measures that are being constructed. The Army Corps of Engineers has been doing a great job and we are looking forward to seeing the project completed.”
The first phase of the project was completed in June of 2015 and involved dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates the project will be completed in its entirety by 2019.

Pallone Demands FEMA take Swift Action to Address Unacceptable Delays for Sandy Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2016


WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) demanded that FEMA take swift action to process claims for victims of Hurricane Sandy in a meeting with Roy Wright, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in Pallone’s Washington, DC office. At the meeting Wright stated that FEMA would have the unprocessed claims finished by the end of the summer.

The members stressed that the slow pace of the claims review process is unacceptable, and that FEMA needs to act to ensure that New Jersey policy holders are treated fairly and receive just compensation. They also discussed their concerns over alleged widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies servicing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“My constituents and I continue to be outraged by the unacceptable delays in processing claims for Sandy victims.” said Pallone. “It’s been nearly four years since Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey and there needs to be a sense of urgency about processing the claims of these victims, who have already suffered enough. FEMA has a responsibility to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed and it is imperative that it take action immediately. Next week starts Hurricane season and we need to make sure that victims of Sandy are in their homes and prepared.”

“I met with Roy Wright of FEMA to discuss improving and expediting the Hurricane Sandy Claims review process for the thousands of New Jerseyans still waiting to receive the support they are owed,” said Pascrell. “While it is upsetting to know that FEMA has only fully processed roughly half of the claims that have been associated with fraud, they are doing it as swiftly and diligently as possible. I commend FEMAs willingness to work with members of Congress and the people of New Jersey in order to address any and all issues that have arisen from flood insurance payment issues. That is why I encourage anyone in my district to let me know if they have an issue so that I can keep FEMA to their word.”

Earlier this month, Pallone led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

Last May, The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) announced that it would begin a process requested by Pallone and other New Jerseys members of Congress to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA did this after Pallone and other Members sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

Pallone Calls for Swift Action for Sandy Fraud Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2016


WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) led a bipartisan letter from members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to Administrator Fugate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting that it take swift action on behalf of those who have suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The lawmakers asked for an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

Representatives Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9), Albio Sires (NJ-8), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Donald Norcross (NJ-1) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) also signed the letter.

“Sandy victims have already suffered enough. To undercut or deny payments to these homeowners as they try to rebuild is absolutely unacceptable,” said Congressman Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud that we are learning is widespread and to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed.”

Last May, The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) announced that it would begin a process requested by Pallone and other New Jerseys members of Congress to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. FEMA did this after Pallone and other Members sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

The full text of the letter is attached and below:


W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

We write requesting swift action on behalf of our constituents who suffered from documented, widespread fraud perpetrated by private insurance companies servicing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. We are deeply troubled by the fact that – almost four years after their homes and businesses were destroyed – many of these victims have yet to have their claims resolved by FEMA. FEMA’s slowness in resolving these claims is not acceptable.

In March 2015, when FEMA acknowledged responsibility for its failures and began contacting tens of thousands of New Jersey homeowners whom they suspected of being victims of insurance fraud, the agency committed to processing the claims of fraud victims fairly and efficiently. This has not been done. FEMA’s deadline for homeowners to submit claims was October 15, 2015. According to a NFIP Transformation Task Force Update, dated April 22, 2016, FEMA has only fully processed roughly half of these claims. Our constituents deserve much better. FEMA needs to step up the pace.

We request that you promptly provide us with an explanation of why it is taking FEMA so long to process the insurance claims of these victims, especially in New Jersey, and to detail the steps FEMA is taking to swiftly rectify the situation.

We are committed to ensuring that our constituents have a fair and speedy process to receive the resources of which they have been unfairly deprived. Time is of the essence for our constituents who have needlessly suffered while this process has dragged out. You can be assured that we will continue to be engaged on this critical issue.

Sincerely,


____________________________                                      ____________________________
FRANK PALLONE, JR.                                                             FRANK LOBIONDO
Member of Congress                                                                   Member of Congress



____________________________                                       ____________________________
BILL PASCRELL, JR.                                                                  ALBIO SIRES
Member of Congress                                                                     Member of Congress



____________________________                                      ____________________________
DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.                                                          DONALD NORCROSS
Member of Congress                                                                    Member of Congress



____________________________
BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN
Member of Congress

Committee Approves Pallone’s SANDy Act that Will Improve Communications During Disasters

Approval Comes After Pallone & Wireless Providers Agree on Wireless Resiliency Provisions in Bill

The Energy and Commerce Committee today approved the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act – or the SANDy Act, which was introduced in November by Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senior Democrat on the committee.

Committee approval came one day after Pallone and CTIA, together with wireless providers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon announced an agreement that wireless providers will share information and advance wireless network resiliency before, during and after disasters and emergencies. With yesterday’s agreement, Pallone offered an amendment at today’s committee markup to remove the wireless provisions in the bill.

Pallone offered the following statement about yesterday’s agreement and the importance of the SANDy Act.

As I’ve said numerous times, Superstorm Sandy had a devastating impact on my district back in New Jersey. So I introduced the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters – or SANDy – Act to address the lessons we learned in the aftermath of that terrible storm.

The legislation incorporated feedback that I heard from local officials and industry leaders at a forum on Sandy where we took a critical look at the lessons learned and the progress made with public safety telecommunications since the hurricane.

At that same time, I was working with FCC Chairman Wheeler and the wireless industry to make sure we are better prepared. And now I am proud to say that we reached an agreement to ensure that consumers have greater access to communications the next time disaster strikes.

Yesterday, with CTIA, we announced The Wireless Network Resiliency Framework under which the largest wireless providers will voluntarily comply with the wireless provisions set forth in the SANDy Act. Most important, the framework makes sure that if one network goes down, its customers can access another network that is still operational. Everyone should be able to call for help as long as any signal is available.

The agreement also takes action on other issues raised by the SANDy Act, such as making sure public safety officials and wireless personnel know how to reach each other at a moment’s notice during an emergency. This agreement will save lives during major emergencies in the future, and I would like to thank the wireless carriers and the FCC for working with me to craft this comprehensive agreement.

In light of this agreement, I’m offering an amendment today to the bill that will remove the wireless provisions from the SANDy Act. And since this framework is voluntary, I look forward to continuous updates from the industry on the progress they are making to meet everything included in this agreement.

This agreement is a major step, but more needs to be done. We must learn all the lessons from disasters like Sandy. For instance, in New Jersey, broadcasters and cable providers saved thousands of lives even before the storm hit. They provided the critical information that let people know how to get out of harm’s way. Public Safety officials have told me that without this information, the death toll would have been much, much worse.

But to keep this information flowing when the power goes out, the networks need backup generators. And these generators need fuel. Unfortunately, broadcasters, cable operators, and telecommunications providers have struggled in emergencies to find this fuel. And oftentimes when they finally find it, they are sent to the back of the line. Worse, once they get the fuel they need, it can be confiscated in favor of other services considered more essential under the law.

But fuel is not the only issue. In the chaos that follows a major disaster, just getting access to secure areas can be trying. During Sandy, communications providers were turned away at bridges because—once again—they were not considered essential. These are the providers that make sure we can call 9-1-1 or can contact loved ones. It took days to get some networks back on line simply because we could not get the right people to the right places.

My bill would fix these problems and more. It would recognize the lifesaving role played by wireline and mobile telephone, Internet, radio and television broadcasting, and cable and satellite services by adding them to the list of essential service providers. Having these networks operational can mean the difference between life and death during an event like Super Storm Sandy.

I would like to thank Chairman Upton and Chairman Walden for considering my bill at today’s markup. And I would like to also thank them both for their essential input on the amendment I’m offering today. This amendment would refocus the SANDy Act on the critical work that still remains to be done.

I urge all my colleagues to support it.

Pallone’s SANDy Act Passes Communications and Technology Subcommittee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2016

Legislation to improve Communications during Disasters will likely receive Full Energy and Commerce vote next week.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act – or the SANDy Act, passed the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), the Senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the legislation earlier this year to help ensure the resiliency of the nation’s communications networks during emergencies. During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of telecommunications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television, and internet services. This created a dangerous barrier to emergency response and recovery for residents and towns.

“I am proud that the SANDy act continues to move forward and one step closer to helping first responders, businesses and private citizens communicate during disasters,” said Pallone. “In New Jersey, we learned firsthand during Hurricane Sandy the importance of telecommunications during an emergency. Making a call for help is difficult when the power is out, and when the cell towers are also down, it can be nearly impossible.”

When Hurricane Sandy ripped through New Jersey three years ago, nearly one in four cell towers were knocked out. In some of the hardest hit areas of the state, as many as half of the towers went down – many of them stayed down for weeks.

“The SANDy Act would recognize the critical role that all communications providers—broadcasters, cable, and telecommunications—serve in emergencies, but most notably, the bill would ensure consumers have access to wireless service even if their particular wireless network goes down,” said Pallone. “We need to be better prepared because no one should be left with silence on the other end of the call when they dial 9-1-1.”

Among other things, this legislation would:

· Make sure that during an emergency consumer cell phones work on other carriers’ networks if their own network goes down, giving priority to calls to 9-1-1 services and emergency alerts;

· Increase coordination between wireless carriers, utilities, and public safety officials;

· Begin a process to provide 911 services over Wi-Fi hotspots during emergencies;

· Make sure all communication providers—radio, TV, and phone—can fix outages faster, even across state lines; and

· Launch an expansive study of the future of network resiliency.

Pallone Announces Federal Funding for Waterways Impacted by Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a $28,000,000 federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for the removal of sand and debris impacting navigable waterways as a result of Sandy. This FEMA grant covers 90% of the entire project.

“Getting New Jersey’s waterways back to pre-Sandy conditions remains a top priority,” said Congressman Pallone. “The state faced so many unanticipated costs after Sandy, and I am pleased that FEMA is continuing to help with our ongoing repair efforts.”

Pallone and Pascrell Call on Christie Administration for Transparency in Sandy Recovery Effort

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) called on the Christie Administration to release additional information detailing how Sandy aid funds are being spent in New Jersey. In their letter to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, the Congressmen called for more transparency in its Sandy Integrity Oversight Monitoring reports. Specifically, the lawmakers referenced an NJ Transit report, released this month, which failed to include information on the work performed by NJ Transit with millions of dollars in recovery funds.

In their letter, the Congressmen wrote, “The public has a right to know how NJ Transit is utilizing its recovery funds and whether this money is being spent properly. We fought hard in Congress to pass the Sandy aid package by assuring our colleagues that Sandy recovery funds were desperately needed and would be spent wisely.”

The Congressmen also called for the public disclosure of NJ Transit’s disaster preparedness plans, as they wrote, “so the public has confidence New Jersey’s rail infrastructure will be protected should another storm hit.”



The full text of the letter follows.

July 28, 2015

Robert A. Romano
Acting State Treasurer
Department of the Treasury
P. O. Box 002
Trenton, NJ 08625-0002



Dear Acting State Treasurer Romano,


We write today regarding a recent integrity oversight monitoring report reviewing NJ Transit Superstorm Sandy recovery funding. We are concerned with the lack of detail in this integrity monitor report and request that more transparency be provided so the public can understand what mistakes have been made in the Sandy recovery process and how Sandy aid funds are being spent in New Jersey.

This integrity monitor report does not include any information regarding the work performed by NJ Transit with millions of dollars in recovery funds. The public has a right to know how NJ Transit is utilizing its recovery funds and whether this money is being spent properly. We fought hard in Congress to pass the Sandy aid package by assuring our colleagues that Sandy recovery funds were desperately needed and would be spent wisely.

As the agency responsible for supervising the reporting process it is incumbent upon you to ensure NJ Transit appropriately discloses information to the public. However, attempts by the public to access NJ Transit’s policies and plans to address flooding risks to its infrastructure have been repeatedly denied. We believe that NJ Transit must publicly disclose its disaster preparedness plans, in addition to the contents of integrity oversight monitoring reports, so the public has confidence New Jersey’s rail infrastructure will be protected should another storm hit.

We respectfully request that all Superstorm Sandy integrity oversight monitoring reports provide full transparency and details on how the recovery funds have been spent, including the “observations and recommendations [that] have been provided to NJ Transit Internal Audit Department” listed in the NJ Transit 2015 first quarter report. The public deserves to know whether taxpayer dollars are being spent properly. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.



Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.

 BILL PASCRELL, JR.

Member of Congress Member of Congress

Video: Pallone Announces The Completion Of The Port Monmouth Hurricane & Storm Damage Reduction Project

Last Monday afternoon, Congressman Frank Pallone held a press conference at the Seabrook Wilson House (Located in Bayshore Waterfront Park) to announce the completion of the first phase of the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project.

If you couldn't attend the press conference below is a video of it. There is a lot of very good information there that should be of interest to many residents living in and around the area of Port Monmouth.

Pallone stated:

“The Port Monmouth flood control project will protect homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Congressman Pallone. “I have worked for years to bring this project to fruition, so I’m especially pleased to announce the completion of the critical first phase. Port Monmouth, like so many other coastal New Jersey communities, faced serious flooding during Hurricane Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The project strengthens our local infrastructure, reduces the risk of future flood damage and will keep our community safe.”

Pallone Announces Completion of Phase One of Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced the completion of the first phase of the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. This $18 million project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project is federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress. For the announcement in Bayshore Waterfront Park, Congressman Pallone was joined by Colonel David Caldwell, Commander of the New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The Port Monmouth flood control project will protect homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Congressman Pallone. “I have worked for years to bring this project to fruition, so I’m especially pleased to announce the completion of the critical first phase. Port Monmouth, like so many other coastal New Jersey communities, faced serious flooding during Hurricane Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The project strengthens our local infrastructure, reduces the risk of future flood damage and will keep our community safe.”

The first phase of the project included dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. Pallone highlighted the fact that the project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township.

The project’s second phase will include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road regarding and pump stations. The entire $105 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin awarding contracts for the second phase in May 2016 so that construction for the full project could be completed by 2019.

FEMA Begins Flood Insurance Review Process Stemming From Fraud Reports

Notification Process Follows Pallone Letter Calling for Notification to Flood Insurance Policyholders

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) today announced that it has begun a process requested by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to review flood insurance claims filed by policyholders affected by Hurricane Sandy. In March, Pallone sent a letter to FEMA requesting that it establish a process allowing homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

Allegations surfaced earlier this year that private insurance companies denied the flood insurance claims of thousands of homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy because of fraudulently altered engineering reports. In addition to the letter, Pallone recently met with Brad Kieserman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance at FEMA, to discuss the allegations. In the meeting, Pallone stressed the importance of FEMA establishing a notification process in a timely fashion and the need for adequate staff to address corrective action.

“I am pleased that FEMA has moved forward to inform Sandy victims about the widespread fraud related to engineering reports connected to flood insurance claims and to ensure the victims get the resources they are rightfully owed,” said Congressman Pallone. “Sandy victims have already suffered enough, and I thank FEMA for responding to my letter with swift action.”

FEMA will send a letter to all NFIP policyholders who filed flood insurance claims pursuant to Hurricane Sandy. Policyholders who incurred losses from Hurricane Sandy from Oct. 27, 2012, through Nov. 6, 2012, and want their claim reviewed may contact FEMA. Letters will be sent on a rolling basis in the coming weeks.

As of May 15, 2015, 74,052 NFIP claims had been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage. Many Sandy victims are suing their insurance companies for perceived underpayments or denials, but the vast majority of those who have filed NFIP claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

The letter Pallone wrote to FEMA in March can be read HERE.

Pallone Announces Over $5.75 Million for Sandy Repairs in Monmouth County

Funding to Replace Bray Avenue Bridge, Repair Romer Shoal Lighthouse

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) announced that Monmouth County, New Jersey will be receiving more than $5.75 million in federal funding to address serious damages to the Bray Avenue Bridge and the Romer Shoal Lighthouse as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The Bray Avenue Bridge, which was originally denied significant funding, will be replaced, and repairs will be made to Romer Shoal Lighthouse. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Sandy aid package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“I am pleased that Monmouth County is finally receiving adequate funds to make these necessary repairs our local infrastructure,” said Congressman Pallone. “The closure of Bray Avenue Bridge for over two years now has greatly inconvenienced Middletown residents and commuters. I am glad that FEMA has finally recognized the need to make these investments so that our community can continue to rebuild and get back to normal. Making these investments now will also help to ensure that our infrastructure is stronger than before and can withstand future storms so that we don’t witness the historic destruction of Sandy ever again.”

The first allocation provides $2,006,208.90 in federal funding to Monmouth County Public Works to replace the Bray Avenue Bridge in Middletown, NJ. The Bray Avenue Bridge has been closed since Superstorm Sandy hit and post-Sandy investigations revealed that, due to damage from the storm, the bridge was no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Monmouth County applied to FEMA for funding assistance to repair the bridge, but were denied any significant funding.

Congressman Pallone wrote a letter to FEMA Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield in April of last year urging the agency to revisit the funding request so that the bridge could be reopened.

The second allocation provides $3,750,415.20 in federal funding to make repairs to the Romer Shoal Lighthouse. Romer Shoal Lighthouse sits three nautical miles north of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The light, which sustained serious damage during Superstorm Sandy, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Pallone Urges FEMA to Notify Sandy Victims of Insurance Fraud

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Administrator Fugate requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notify homeowners who have filed claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in the wake of Superstorm Sandy detailing the manipulation of engineering reports in order to underpay Sandy victims. Pallone requested that FEMA establish processes that allow homeowners to easily file an appeal if they believe that they have been a victim of an intentionally altered engineering report.

“Sandy victims have already suffered enough. To undercut or deny payments to these homeowners as they try to rebuild is absolutely unacceptable,” said Congressman Pallone. “FEMA has a responsibility to inform the public about this fraud that we are learning is widespread and to implement processes to ensure that disaster victims get the resources they are rightfully owed.”

As of the end of February 2015, 74,052 NFIP claims have been filed in New Jersey stemming from Sandy damage. Over 1,100 Sandy victims are suing their insurance companies for perceived underpayments or denials, but the vast majority of those who have filed NFIP claims are likely unaware of the recently uncovered fraud in which engineering reports have been intentionally doctored.

Read the full text of the letter ... Here

Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for Beach Replenishment Project from Southern Deal to Loch Arbour

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract for beach replenishment from southern Deal to Loch Arbour has been awarded. The project will cover the area stretching from Philips Avenue in Deal south to Loch Arbour. The Army Corps of Engineers awarded the contract for the $38,283,230 project to Manson Construction Company. Work to replenish this stretch of the shore will begin in spring 2015. A contract award for the second half of the overall project, which includes beach replenishment from Philips Ave in Deal north to Lake Takanasee in Elberon, will be awarded later this year. The funding for this project is part of the Sandy aid package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this important investment that will help to protect homes and businesses along the Jersey Shore from future flooding and repair the destruction caused by Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism. I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.”

This contract will cover the placement of 1,400,000 cubic yards of sand for reconstruction of the shoreline from Deal to Loch Arbour. It also includes lengthening six existing stormwater outfalls, as well as modification of two existing groins.

Originally, the Army Corps had planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, after meeting with Congressman Pallone and concerned citizens, including fishermen, surfers and recreational users in the area, the Army Corps agreed to only notch three groins within the project area. Two groins, one at Deal Casino and the other at Marine Place, will be notched as a part of the southern Deal to Loch Arbour contract, and a third groin at Phillips Avenue will be notched under the forthcoming contract that will cover Elberon to northern Deal. The Army Corps is also working with the Deal Lake Commission to finalize plans to install an electronic gate in the Deal Lake Flume to allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand, an issue which was also discussed at last year’s meeting.

"Awarding this contract, which is the first of two contracts, for the Elberon to Loch Arbour storm risk reduction project will enable the Corps to begin working on completion of the last remaining section for the 21 miles of shoreline between Sea Bright and Manasquan" said Col. Paul Owen, commander, Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. "This project is another example of great teamwork for our continued efforts to increase resiliency on the Jersey Shore in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We have had great cooperation between the State, local municipalities, public, and political interests as we have worked together to refine and complete the plans for the project and finally award the first of two construction contracts. Once complete, this project will provide additional beach erosion control and storm risk reduction to coastal communities in New Jersey.

CURRIE: THE STATE OF THE STATE IS... NEGLECTED

Christie’s Ethical Scandals, Policy Failures Linger In State He Abandoned

(Trenton) – In anticipation of Governor Chris Christie's State of the State address, New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie is outlining some of issues that deserve the governor's attention -- many that Chris Christie said he would support; that is, before he changed his tune and left the state for all or part of 137 days last year.

When presidents and other executives deliver their annual assessments on the state of affairs, they often confidently proclaim that conditions are strong or getting stronger. If reality serves as a guide, that will not be the case in New Jersey. In fact, the governor's frequent absences and preoccupation with Republican politics -- not to mention the myriad scandals he created -- beg the question: how would Chris Christie know the true state of the state when he is so often elsewhere?

During last year's address, Christie sidestepped questions about his involvement in the apparent political payback scheme that shut down lanes on the George Washington Bridge, threatening public safety. And, since that time, he has fought efforts to obtain basic information about his administration's operations, continued to bully constituents and members of the media, and unrepentantly abused the powers and resources of his public office.

"Governor Christie has been an unmitigated disaster for our state. While he wastes taxpayer dollars in a shameless effort at self promotion, his policies trample the hopes and dreams of New Jersey families. In the wake of his hypocrisy, Sandy survivors have been left out in the cold and pensioners were robbed of funds they were promised. Meanwhile, his economic record is one of repeated credit downgrades, increased property tax burdens, and stunted job growth," said Chairman Currie. "The true state of the state is vulnerable and neglected and, for this reason, the governor should really strike an apologetic tone."

Currie outlined a few steps the governor should take during his state of the state address to restore the state's shattered sense of trust:

• Encourage Republican state legislators to vote their conscience on the upcoming override of his veto of meaningful reform of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which passed the Statehouse with unanimous support.
• Promise to revisit the Sandy Bill of Rights he vetoed, so that storm survivors may obtain information about the status of their claims, people have greater rights to appeal if they’re denied funding, and regulators can clearly see how funds were allocated.
• Offer a realistic plan for funding the $2.4 billion in pension payments that the governor promised but then withheld -- a plan that does not include more cuts, more finger-pointing at his predecessors, or other excuses that put the priorities of Republican presidential primary voters ahead of New Jersey's interests.
• Restore funding to the Transportation Trust Fund, which would allow desperately needed improvements to roads and bridges, as well as other new projects that would stimulate New Jersey's sputtering economy.
• Commit to responsibly lowering property tax burdens on New Jersey families, which actually increased nearly 19 percent under Christie.
• Pledge to stop the arrogant and potentially illegal abuses of power and resources that have embarrassed the state and tied up legal and legislative channels with ethical scandals, investigations and litigation.

Pallone Statement to Mark Two-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. released the following statement today on the second anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall on the New Jersey coastline. Earlier today, Pallone joined with New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker for a roundtable in Union Beach with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro:

“As we look back on the two years since Hurricane Sandy changed the lives of so many in New Jersey, I am filled with hope but also focused on how there is so much more work to be done to achieve a full recovery.

From my first moments on the ground touring the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey, I have remained committed to helping our communities rebuild and better prepare for future storms like Sandy. But I know that hundreds of residents in my Congressional district are still struggling to rebuild their homes, while towns are facing issues finding the funding to rebuild local infrastructure.

We are making progress, but the recovery is not happening as quickly and efficiently as it should be. I am encouraged to see that many of our beaches have been replenished with Sandy aid money and homes up and down the coast are being repaired and rebuilt, but more remains to be done.”