Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker held a news conference in Bergen County on Thursday to announce the release of the first emergency funding for New Jersey communities.

Congress passed a bill to authorize a federal stimulus package to help Americans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This war will be won, but the battle is fought every day,” Menendez said.

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco says that it is assistance from these federal grant dollars that will help win the battles against the virus. Menendez says that the millions of dollars in the fund will help with everything from paying first responders to preventing evictions and protecting services to the most vulnerable.

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“We’re pleased to announce the release of $82 million in grants for the Department of Housing and Urban Development with the largest infusion of over $8.3 million coming to the front lines of our fight against COVID-19 right here in Bergen County,” Menendez said.

Both senators say that the bill is imperfect, but Menendez says that the funding is about making sure New Jersey’s local governments can continue to serve the people.

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“And we cut a whole lot of red tape in this bill so that local leaders can immediately put these dollars to work,” Menendez said.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of social distancing to help slow the spread of the illness. Menendez became emotional as he described visiting his family.

“Last week when I returned to New Jersey after weeks in Washington, I had to stand 6 feet away from my grandchild. When all I wanted to do was hug him close,” Menendez said.

But Menendez says that it is crucial to work together to get through this crisis, including at all levels of government.

"And you better believe that we will continue to fight to deliver more help for New Jersey in the weeks to come,” Menendez said.

Booker reiterated the sentiment.

“Let’s stand together and show that we are Jersey Strong,” he said.

More information about the federal grants and CARES Act can be found on Menendez’s website.