Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) vowed to pursue all federal options to help the Hudson Valley and New York City recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene.  Flooding, from overflowed rivers and streams, poured into Rockland and Westchester communities.  This flooding caused widespread damage.

“First and foremost, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to everyone who is suffering in the wake of this storm.  Families have lost their homes, lost their business, and sadly, some people have lost their lives.  I want to thank our law enforcement, emergency personnel, first responders, the many volunteers, and all the neighbors who helped people in need this weekend.  I have been in close contact with our local officials, who have done an outstanding job managing the crisis, and federal and state agencies, to make sure that anyone who needs help receives it.  There is much still to be done, but I have confidence we can all band together and get through this.

“Disasters such as Irene show that the federal government, and all of the resources which come with it, are vital to help people when they are in their greatest need.  Even in these difficult financial times, support from the federal government must be there for those suffering, as it always has been in the past.  Not lending a hand to those who need it goes against everything our country stands for, and I call on all of my colleagues to put politics aside and provide help for our fellow citizens.”

###