[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 144 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H6330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE OUTPOURING OF VOLUNTEERS IN REBUILDING NEW JERSEY
(Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to point out to my colleagues that
the damage in my district and throughout my State in the aftermath of
Hurricane Sandy was nothing less than catastrophic. But I really want
to talk about the rebuilding effort today and what we need to do over
the long term.
The amount of outpouring, if you will, from volunteers, from just
regular people in the district, was just overwhelming. I want to thank
FEMA. I want to thank the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and all the
different groups that are out there and continue to be out there today
helping with this effort. The outpouring of volunteers from our own
district and from New Jersey was just incredible.
Just a few days ago, I remember going to Union Beach, which was one
of the towns that was hardest hit, and seeing so many people bring in
food and clothing and cleaning supplies. One guy who owns a pizza place
brought in a pizza oven and was making pizzas, and another guy brought
in a TV so people could watch TV at the center where people come to
sign up for FEMA. It was just amazing. It showed the spirit, if you
will, of the people that they were willing to do that.
Thank you all again. Obviously, we're going to work on rebuilding,
which is certainly the next step here in Congress and elsewhere.
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