Larson Statement on First Portion of Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Package

Statement

Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the first portion of the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Package:

"I am disappointed that the full package was not taken up. It is unprecedented that after a natural disaster people will have to wait this long on relief. $9 billion in flood insurance is helpful, but to hold up the entire package for political reasons makes little sense. It is my sincere hope that the House will work together to provide full relief to those living in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York who are dealing with the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy."

Today's vote on the first portion of the package comes after House Republican Leadership cancelled votes on the Senate-passed $60.4 billion Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Package earlier this week. The first portion of the relief package provides a temporary increase in borrowing authority of $9.7 billion for FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program to make payments to home and business owners dealing with flood damage as a result of the storm. The House will consider the remaining $50 billion relief package on January 15th.

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