Pallone Praises President for Planned NJ Visit To Assess Irene Damage

Long Branch, N. J. - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., who two days ago requested a visit to New Jersey by President Barack Obama to get a firsthand assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Irene, issued the following statement on Wednesday praising the President for his planned Sunday visit:

"The catastrophic impact of the flood waters caused by Hurricane Irene has only increased in the days following the storm. It's not the wind that inflicted most of the damage, it's the water. A firsthand review of Irene's aftermath in the worst-hit communities in New Jersey is a potent way of understanding the dimension of the damage and the extent of human suffering.

"I'm glad the President is making this visit and I applaud the administration for its preparation and its rapid response to this natural disaster. FEMA worked well in partnership with state and local officials to cushion the blow of the storm and to help those in need. The worst of Mother Nature brought out the best of public officials, emergency workers and the people of New Jersey who helped others in a crisis."