Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, has led an effort by the 13 members of the House of Representatives from New Jersey to ask the President to expedite a declaration of the State as a major federal disaster area due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irene.

    "As Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, we are writing to express our full support for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's request for an expedited declaration of a major disaster for the entire State of New Jersey," states a letter signed by all the members. "Your declaration would greatly help our state to start recovering from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Irene."

    Click here to read the full letter from the delegation.

    Major flooding, power outages and storm damage has occurred throughout the state. Seven residents lost their lives due to the storm.