Speaker of the House John Boehner took political fire from members of his own party for bypassing on a bill to provide much needed relief aid to victims of Superstorm Sandy. But on Friday, congress finally answered the call and approved the bill.
With a vote of 354-67, the House approved a $9.7 billion flood insurance bill, which is only the first segment of a potential $60 billion Superstorm Sandy recovery package. Lawmakers originally expected the House to approve the bill earlier in the week, since FEMA was only days away from running out of funds. However, Speaker Boehner inexplicably pulled the bill from consideration, causing a harsh public tongue lashing from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Rep. Pete King of New York, among others.
Despite action from the Republican led house on Friday, Democrats were still critical that it has taken 68 days for the House to act on the smaller bill, with the much needed larger bill still awaiting approval.
“Talk about fiddling while New York City burns,’’ said Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York, who called the delay an “embarrassment” to the House.
“How dare you come to this floor and make people think everything is OK,” Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey said while scolding Republicans.
The bill was sent to the Democratically controlled Senate, where it was met with fast approval.
Its about time. And Repubs wonder why people don't like them.