$9.7 billion Hurricane Sandy aid bill passes in House

January 4, 2013 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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The House of Representatives passed a $9.7 billion Hurricane Sandy aid bill by a 354-67 vote on Friday. The Senate is expected to pass the measure later Friday and send it to President Barack Obama.

All “no” votes came from Republicans.

According to AP, the bill gives more borrowing authority to the National Flood Insurance Program to pay about 115,000 pending claims.

Northeast lawmakers say the money is urgently needed for victims of one of the worst storms ever to strike the region.

Two other storm bills, coming up on January 15, will add an additional $18 billion for immediate assistance and $33 billion for longer-term projects, bringing the total to $60 billion, matching the amount approved by the Senate last Friday.

Boehner set Friday’s vote after sparking controversy with a decision to delay House action on a broader Sandy aid package.

The Senate will have to vote on the bill as well.