Delivering his “State of the State Address” on Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) hailed the resilience of his constituents in the wake of Hurricane Sandy while also calling on Congress to offer more disaster aid, asserting that the storm “was and is one of those things” that should be “above politics.”
An excerpt from those remarks, which were made available to the press:
New Jerseyans are among the toughest, grittiest and most generous people in America. These citizens are a small example of that simple truth. Our pride in our state in our moment of loss and challenge is reflected in the eyes of these extraordinary people.
You see, some things are above politics. Sandy was and is one of those things. These folks stand for the truth of that statement.
We now look forward to what we hope will be quick Congressional action on a full, clean Sandy aid bill – now, next week — and to enactment by the President. We have waited 72 days, seven times longer than victims of Hurricane Katrina waited. One thing I hope everyone now clearly understands—New Jersey, both Republicans and Democrats, will never stand silent when our citizens are being short changed.
The people of New Jersey are in need, not from their own actions but from an act of God that delivered a natural, human, and financial disaster — and we are thankful to the people of America for honoring the tradition of providing relief. We have stood with the citizens of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Iowa, Vermont, California and Missouri in their times of need—now I trust that they will stand with us.
So make no mistake. New Jersey’s spirit has never been stronger. Our resolve never more firm. Our unity never more obvious.
