After Hurricane Sandy hit the country, a federal relief grants appeal was extended to Congress, but was torn on the decision of dividing the grant. After a three-week struggle, a $51 billion grant was sanctioned Tuesday, Jan 15, 2012.
House Republicans decided not to vote for a $60 billion relief bill in January, which was first passed by the controlling government in December. Conservatives believed the amount was too large and would be used up for other claims rather than immediate relief funding. Republicans asked for an immediate $17 billion relief funding which was voted down 258-162, reports The Guardian.
However, Democrats pleaded for an amendment to the relief bill, urging for an extra $33.7 billion, which was hotly debated. An additional $9.7 billion package was also summoned to fund the insurance claims of the hurricane victim homes.
Republicans from the northeast, wanted immediate relief funding and hurled taunts their mid-western and southern counterparts in the debate on Tuesday afternoon, reports FDL.
"Florida, good luck with no more hurricanes! California, congratulations, did you get rid of the Andreas Fault? The Mississippi's in a drought. Do you think you're not going to have a flood again?" Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) shouted to members who were against the $17 billion bill.
LoBiondo represents New Jersey, an area which was heavily damaged by the hurricane.
However, in the final voting, the full relief amount of $51 billion was passed garnering a 241-180 head count with around 179 Republicans voting against the bill, reports the Huffington Post.
Around $5.4 billion of the total amount will go towards the Federal Emergency Agency Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide immediate cash relief to the hurricane victims. The rest is allocated towards recovery projects and food control, reports the Huffington Post.
