[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 4, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CALLING FOR SANDY RELIEF OVERSIGHT

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remind every Member of this 
Chamber that just over a year ago this Congress voted to provide $50 
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 the 
Federal Sandy recovery funds are being distributed properly 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 these funds.
  Also, a report on where and whom the funds are going to is obviously 
needed. I urge my colleagues to make sure that proper oversight is 
conducted and that the funding gets to those communities who are in 
most dire need.

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