Joe Crowley: “Thank you to all of my colleagues from the Northeast who stand with us today. I want to particularly thank my colleague…”

“Thank you to all of my colleagues from the Northeast who stand with us today. I want to particularly thank my colleague from New York (Mr. Turner) for helping to arrange this bipartisan moment of support and to demonstrate to our country how we should all come together at a time of crisis. This storm, known as Sandy, was utterly devastating, not only to property and to homes but to families, communities and neighborhoods-- entire neighborhoods. Our hearts are with those in places like City Island, Edgewater and Locust Point, which is in my district in the Bronx, for those in lower Manhattan, Staten Island, Hoboken, coastal New Jersey, Fairfield County, parts of Philadelphia, and other parts that were affected by this horrific storm. For many, recovery has already begun; but as they begin to piece their lives and their communities back together, they need a united Congress behind that effort. For others, the rebuilding has not yet begun as they still wait more than 2 weeks for power and fuel to be restored to them. For far too many, we grieve at the ultimate loss-- precious men, women and, yes, children who are no longer with us as a result of this storm. Lastly, we must acknowledge the constant heartfelt support from all of our public servants, including all the firefighters and volunteer fire departments, the police departments, the National Guard, FEMA, and particularly our sanitation workers, who are cleaning the mounds of sand and debris from people's homes.…”