Congress to Vote on Superstorm Sandy Flood Aid

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Congress to Vote on Superstorm Sandy Flood Aid

By ANDREW MIGA | Friday, Jan 4, 2013 | Updated 9:49 AM CST

At last, the storm-racked Northeast is getting a House floor vote on billions in disaster relief aid for victims of October's Superstorm Sandy, but only after a host of East Coast Republican lawmakers threatened a near mutiny against GOP Speaker John Boehner.

A $9.7 billion measure to pay flood insurance claims, which amounts to just a down payment on a multibillion-dollar aid commitment, is expected to be approved by the House on Friday, boosting prospects for relief for the many home and business owners devastated by the storm. If the House acts as expected, the Senate plans to follow with a likely uncontested vote later in the day.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that the National Flood Insurance Program will run out of money next week if Congress doesn't provide additional borrowing authority to pay out claims. Congress created the FEMA-run program in 1968 because few private insurers cover flood damage.

The flood insurance measure is the first phase of a proposed Sandy aid package. Under Boehner's new schedule, the House will vote Jan. 15 on an additional $51 billion in recovery money. Senate action on that measure is expected the following week. Financially strapped local governments are awaiting that money.

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Read more: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/NATL-Congress-to-Vote-on-Superstorm-Sandy-Flood-Aid--185633781.html

[question everything]

1. Good. Since the Previous Senate already approved

it should sail through easily enough.

And the House.. will see.