House Passes Hurricane Sandy Aid Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $50.5 billion package for Hurricane Sandy aid more than two months after the storm devastated portions of the East Coast, NY 1 reported.

The House voted 241-80 on Tuesday evening to approve the package, which adds $5.4 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund and the same amount to New York and New Jersey’s transit systems, NY 1 reported.

Additionally, the legislation provides $1.4 billion for the Army Corp of Engineers and $33.7 billion for longer-term recovery.

“Despite the roadblocks and inexcusable delays, the House finally did the right thing by approving this critical funding,” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, said. “The battle we had to fight to secure this aid was outrageous. But I’m pleased that the money will finally start to head our way.”

The bill is expected to go before the Senate next week. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, told NY 1 that he expected it would be on President Barack Obama’s desk by late next week.