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Hurricane Sandy Relief Bill

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Gov. Christie and President Obama Express Disappointment Over Delay in Sandy Aid

Vote on a $60.4 billion aid package delayed in Congress.

Gov. Chris Christie and President Barack Obama released statements Wednesday expressing disappointment over the failure of the House of Representatives to vote on the $60.4 billion Hurricane Sandy Aid Package and urged Congress to make the bill a priority when it reconvenes Thursday.  Though the U.S. Senate approved the bill Friday, Congress failed to act on the bill, at different times criticising the allocation of some of its funding, considering splitting the aid package into separate bills, and putting it off until a deal was reached on the impending "fiscal cliff."  Eventually, the decision was made to table it until the New Year. Christie issued a joint statement with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo late Wednesday morning chastising the …

Saturday, December 29, 2012

U.S. Senate Approves Sandy Relief Bill

The $60.4 billion aid package needs to pass in Congress before it reaches the President's desk.

A $60.4 billion Hurricane Sandy relief bill was approved by the U.S. Senate Friday, New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg's office announced, putting it a House of Representatives passage away from reaching President Barack Obama's desk for certain signing.  The bill was crafted in part by Lautenberg, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, and would primarily benefit New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The aid package, requested by Obama and championed by state officials, including Gov. Chris Christie, passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, 62-32. Congress has yet to vote on the bill, though the Republican controlled House has raised significant opposition to the aid package. At a recent town hall, Christie urged …

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