Booker, Kim Lead Bipartisan New Jersey Delegation Urging Approval of Disaster Assistance Request Following Deadly Winter Storms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) are urging President Donald J. Trump to approve the Major Disaster Declaration requested earlier this month by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, following severe winter weather in February that killed 12 people across nine counties, caused power outages affecting 127,230 customers, and led to 544 car accidents and nearly $100 million in damages.

"The severe winter storm that the State of New Jersey experienced on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through Monday, February 23, 2026, brought heavy snow and strong winds throughout the State," wrote the lawmakers. "Eight of the State's 21 counties recorded record or near-record snowfall totals, as approximately 24 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours across eastern and central New Jersey. The State of New Jersey's capacity to respond to and recover from this late-February storm was already strained by a series of significant storms. For example, the State currently has six open federal declarations and has been impacted by numerous storms for which no major declarations were received, the most recent of which occurred less than one month before this event and resulted in 18 inches of snow across much of New Jersey."

Approving the declaration would unlock federal FEMA assistance, including Public Assistance to help counties and local governments cover emergency response and infrastructure repair costs such as snow removal, debris cleanup, and damage to public facilities-and Hazard Mitigation funding to strengthen infrastructure against future severe weather.

"The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management estimates that the total disaster costs will exceed $100 million. While the State has invested considerable resources into this event, federal support is needed to ensure a full recovery for the people of New Jersey," concluded the lawmakers. "Therefore, we reiterate our full support for the April 7, 2026, request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. We are grateful for your consideration of this request and thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter."

The letter was also signed by New Jersey Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2), and Herb Conaway Jr. (D-NJ-3).

Read the full text of the letter here.