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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:11:26 GMT
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:49:53 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:46:23 GMT
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans.
For the first time in 17 years, millions of cicadas are expected to emerge from the soil in the tristate region this summer. The bug-like creatures are harmless to humans. Cicadas live in the soil and make a familiar buzzing sound.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
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Holgate, New Jersey following superstorm Sandy.
