Payne Calls for Congressional Oversight of Hurricane Sandy Relief

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. called for Congressional oversight over the distribution of Hurricane Sandy relief. Watch the video here.

Rep. Payne, Jr. said the following:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind every member in this chamber that just over one year ago – this Congress voted to provide nearly $51 billion in much needed Hurricane Sandy relief, including to my home state of New Jersey.

“I fought very hard for that money. And now this Congress has the responsibility and obligation to ensure that federal Sandy recovery funds are being distributed properly and to the people who need it most.

“Constituents from my district are still displaced from their homes and are awaiting much needed help.

“According to a report released by the Fair Share Housing Center of New Jersey, low-income individuals are being denied claims at a higher rate than wealthier individuals.

“There is a need for more transparency on the standards being used to distribute funds.

“Also, a report on where and who the funds are going to is obvious.

“I urge my colleagues to make sure that proper oversight is conducted and that the funding gets to those communities that are in most dire need.”