NEWARK — U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Representatives Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Frank LoBiondo, Albio Sires, Leonard Lance, Donald Payne Jr., Rodney Frelinghuysen, Donald Norcross, Scott Garrett, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Chris Smith sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate requesting a three-month extension of the Sept.15 deadline for Sandy victims, who feel they were lowballed by their flood insurance, to opt-in to FEMA’s Sandy Claims Review.
“It has been nearly three years since Sandy struck our shores, causing billions in damage and forever changing the lives of thousands of our neighbors,” the members wrote. “Despite all of the missteps, delays, and mistakes, FEMA has an opportunity to bring some measure of justice to those effected. We urge you to grant an extension and not to let arbitrary deadlines obscure your vision from the ultimate goal: fairness and a full recovery for all.”
The Senators argue that the current deadline is too short, noting initial confusion surrounding a potential duplication of benefits, which may have discouraged homeowners from signing up for the review, and that FEMA has already missed its own deadlines and only just stepped-up its outreach efforts.
“Extending the deadline to December 15 would give Sandy victims the time necessary to understand this complex process and decide whether or not it is in their best interest to participate,” the letter stated.
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