Lawmakers to announce Sandy development

SECAUCUS (AP) — More help may be on the way for homeowners who were devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and other New Jersey lawmakers on Friday are set to announce what they say are significant developments regarding the federal response to Sandy's recovery.

Menendez and the others have demanded the Federal Emergency Management Agency investigate allegations that insurance companies handling Sandy flood damage claims are manipulating them to shortchange homeowners.

A federal judge in New York recently found evidence suggesting assessors altered reports so insurance companies could pay less to policyholders.

Menendez estimated that thousands of homeowners may have been affected and said FEMA, which manages the National Flood Insurance Program, was ultimately responsible.

Lawmakers also have pressed FEMA to reconsider 270 appeals that had missed deadlines.

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