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Subscribe to RSSNew Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticizes Congress for delaying relief funds for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The House GOP came under a blistering bipartisan assault Wednesday for punting on Sandy relief, with Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie complaining he couldn’t even get Speaker John Boehner to return his calls.
Fallout from the surprise vote pullback on a $60 billion aid package mounted by the hour with cries of outrage and calls for revenge.
By late afternoon, it seemed like the onslaught was having an effect. The House scheduled a Friday vote on $9 billion in flood insurance funds, to be followed by a Jan. 15 vote on another $51 billion in assistance.
It was unclear if the larger allocation would pass – or if the belated vote would mollify the New York and New Jersey politicians who unleashed unusually personal attacks against Boehner and other House Republicans.
House to vote on Sandy funding Friday, placating outraged lawmakers
Earlier, New York Rep. Pete King said his Republican colleagues had exposed a bias against the blue states of the Northeast and that anyone from the area who donates money to them “should have his head examined.”
“They can’t count on any vote from me now,” he said on MSNBC.
Christie, who has been touted as a possible White House contender, put the blame for the delay squarely on Boehner and marveled that he called the Ohioan four times before he would take his call.
“Shame on you, Congress,” he said, adding that he has received no explanation for the “disappointing and disgusting” decision.
The $60 billion request for assistance for to victims of Superstorm Sandy has been passed by the Senate, and House supporters were pushing for a Tuesday night vote.
House Speaker John Boehner had quietly decided the House should not pass billions more in spending for Sandy relief, stunning both Democrats and Republicans from the storm-ravaged region. But after being subjected to intense pressure, a vote on some emergency aid will now be held on Friday. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.
Instead, King said, Boehner “just walked off” the floor and had an aide break the news that there would be no vote. The House adjourned on Wednesday without considering the measure; lawmakers are back Thursday for an hour before they gavel in the 113th Congress.
While some Republicans have criticized the aid package for funds not directly linked to Sandy, Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said the speaker is “committed to getting this bill passed this month.”
That promise didn’t quiet the fury.
“Totally obscene,” said Tom Jordan, a former firefighter whose house in Rockaway, Queens, was flooded by the storm that killed 120 people and damaged almost 400,000 homes.
“They’re quibbling about $60 billion? That’s nothing as far as the federal budget goes. They should come down here and see what the beach looks like. They want to wait? We need repairs before the next hurricane season.”
Rep. Michael Grimm, a Republican who represents parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, called the delay “a personal betrayal.” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand dared Boehner to visit Staten Island, then added that she doubts “he has the dignity nor the guts to do it.”
First Read: 'Betrayal': Congress punts on Sandy recovery funding, infuriating local lawmakers
“They’re a bunch of idiots,” Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, a Conservative, said of House Republicans. “There’s no other logical reason they’d be doing this.”
Those hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy say they are close to the breaking point, their faith in government flagging. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.
In a joint statement, Christie and New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, accused the house of a “dereliction of duty.”
“When American citizens are in need we come to their aid,” they said. “That tradition was abandoned in the House last night.”
But it was King who really let his Republican colleagues have it.
“The fact is that the dismissive attitude that was shown last night toward New York, New Jersey and Connecticut typifies, I believe, a strain in the Republican Party,” he said on the House floor.
“I can’t imagine that type of indifference, that cavalier attitude being shown to any other part of the country,” he added.
“We cannot believe this cruel knife in the back was delivered to our region… This is not the United States of America! This should not be the Republican Party. This should not be the Republican leadership.”
Although he said he is not thinking of switching parties, King suggested New Yorkers should hit House Republicans who don’t support the bill where it hurts – in the campaign coffer.
“These people have no problem finding New York when it comes to raising money. They only have a problem when it comes to allocating,” he fumed.
“If this is not delivered and very quickly…anyone from New York or New Jersey who contributes one penny to congressional Republicans after this should have their head examined,” he added on MSNBC.
Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., blasts Speaker John Boehner and Congress for delaying action on a bill that would provide aid toward Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
Boehner is supposed to meet with Republican members of the New York and New Jersey delegations on Wednesday to reassure them that the relief bill will be passed.
But King expressed skepticism about a quick vote, noting a majority of House Republicans don’t support the bill and Washington will be soon be preoccupied with the inauguration and the State of the Union.
President Obama called on the House to bring the bill to a vote immediately and “pass it without delay for our fellow Americans.”
It’s unclear what impact the vote delay with have. The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency testified this month that it had enough funding to “respond to the immediate needs.”
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) defended Boehner’s move, blaming the Senate for padding the relief package with non-essential funding.
“The Senate didn’t do their job. They sent us a bunch of pork, and then left town,” he said on “Fox and Friends.”
NBC News' Tom Curry and Frank Thorp contributed to this report.
Mario Tama / Getty Images
Residents of the Northeast are still picking up the pieces after Superstorm Sandy.
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Leave a Comment:
Hey, Pete, old boy......how does it feel to get the shaft? Did you have some kind of epiphany? Your party sucks, and you're just finding out now?
Hey Red States the next time a hurricane hits one of your states Peter King says hold your hand on your a s s! No handouts for you! F-you!
People vote for the GOP for what reason?
Apparantly you vote straight party ticket...
What a fool.
Try voting for a candidate because you respect their opinion, regardless of party.
Next...
Sluggo --
Yeah, but looking for an original opinion from a GOP member is usaully futile these days. Even those GOP representatives that think independently get isolated by their own party.
Next....
Tonywarvet --
Sorry, I don't know the answer to your question.
The Governor of New Jersey actually spoke to the President and asked for his help. Therefore New Jersey must be punished ! This is the thinking of the party that refuses to accept the choice of the American people for President of the United States in two elections ! If you accept the fact that a black man has been elected by the people of America, and you actually discuss your States needs after a disaster, thereby acknowledging his Presidency, you must be punished and the people of your state must be punished.
I am not a Republican rather an independent but what the GOP MORON Boehner and the rest of the Congressional GOP MORONS are doing in postponing a vote for sandy relief is beyond tolerance. It is time America to vote these freaking IDIOTS out. If this had happened in Alabama or Texas, there would be no delay. the fact that New Jersey and New York and Connecticut voted overwhelmingly for President Obama shows the stupidity, the ignorance of the GOP in making regular folks who are in dire need suffer needlessly. Is it any wonder that they are now considered the worst Congress ever in our history. SHAME GOP MORONS.
That's right - you nailed it.
In fact, it should be mentioned that New Yorkers and New Jerseyans have ALWAYS been generous in helping out their fellow Americans when disasters struck other parts of the country. Look it up. We never complained, either. Further, the 'bluest' states such as NY and NJ receive the least amount of federal dollars in return compared to what we send to Washington (in my state, we get 61 cents back for every dollar we send, lowest in the nation).
This storm was the worst to hit our region since Europeans began colonizing, simply because the unusual trajectory of the storm sent an enormous ocean surge into our coastal areas. Now, while I do hope we learn some lessons over where NOT to build, because global warming is real and ocean levels are rising, the fact is that we need federal aid and we need it now. We have always been there for others, and now it is time we receive the same courtesy.
Have a nice day.
I knew that Christie would pay a big price for working with and hugging Obama. I am not kidding, Republicans will and do make other Republicans pay dearly for hugging Obama. The real reason Most Republicans HATE Obama is that a black man BEAT them twice in the Presidential elections.
Cigarman
You're 100% correct. I just hope Christie lets these morons have it, just like he's done to actual voters who crossed him.
Yeah right...
Like it has nothing to do with Obama's complete lack of experience or leadership.
Boehner has lots of experience but no leadership or effectiveness.
I am going to play devils advocate here. I agree 100% they should have gotten relief faster as it has been two months cannot argue that fact at all congress is not doing their jobs. I also know this is a very emotional and difficult time for those in my neighbor northeast states NY and NJ as I am from Boston. But from what I have heard and read about the amount, there is a lot of riders in the details. What does the Insurance companies and states responsible for helping out versus us everyday tax payers. I understand Katrina got 60 billion in like 10 days or so but I also don't know the fine print what was actually needed to rebuild versus what the insurance companies were to deal with etc. I don't want to see 60 billion go to building more crappy old 'infrastructure' here in the US. If they are going to use the money this country needs to come up with better infrastructure and also be balanced. People are hurting I understand that but also the home insurance companies etc. should be dealing with much of this as well that is why we have insurance. If they are going to use billions to make the jersey shore beach a better beach not for that at all during these diffucult times. They should get what they need in a balanced approach along with the insurance companies. Everyday people should be able to view the bill and what has been proposed and see the entire picture of insurance versus tax payer dollars etc. Just saying and I feel for the victims of Sandy I really do but this country needs to rein in overspending as well.
And living in here in Texas, volunteering during Katrina in New Orleans, I can tell you there was a tremendous amount of waste there. Alot of the "gov't" money never got to people who needed it and the "debit cards" were given to just about anyone.
I find this fact interesting. The red southern states get all the aid they ask for. Tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding. NJ and NY ask for the first time and the answer is no? The bipartisanship of NJ and NY is why they won't vote. Speaker Bonehead has done it once again. As a resident of NJ and a former resident of NY, I find this lack of concern disgusting. Not one disaster in this country (not even Katrina and Rita) waited anywhere near as long as we have here in NJ and are still waiting. Shame on the GOP and Tea Baggers. May your party split apart and fall into the dim notes of history. Your party is toast!
We here in good ole red state Texas are still waiting. Our land and homes were burned to the ground. No tears for us from this Blue administration. We should stop calling each other names, stop hating and realize we are still one country. For now.
I dont think Nasville got any help but Im not 100% sure. I do remember them saying they would take care of their own and rebuilt in no time at all. Thats what working together will do instead of waiting for big govrnment to save you. Hell Obama got his photo op and now hes back in Hawaii soaking up the rays and staying in a multi million dollar mansion. I do know this if my house burns down the gov aint giving me chit thats why I have insurance. I actualy know a couple who took the chance because they wanted to save on premiums. Well they lost that bet their house actualy burnt down. They have had to move in with their kids because they couldnt afford to build it back.
Us "bleeding hearts" are in the MAJORITY Rightwing A-holes! The sooner you morons learn this the better! Of course Rightwingers think education is a dirty word.
Somebody tell Boehner it's last call
Sluggo vote GOP I know you will,as will most people with an IQ that's borderline retarded! The GOP attracts the low IQs,the racists and the greedy rich. An elite club!
I will put mine, my family's and friends up against your IQ anyday of the week. When we cannot understand others, we go for nasty, name calling drool.
Everything is bigger in Texas except the brains
He can't imagine any other area being treated this way? What about us here in Texas who were ignored until the very last second by the democratic administration? When our land and homes were burning to the ground. Get real. NY, NJ and Conn. resent being treated like others. They think they are better than Texas and states that are not theirs. I do agree with Mr. King that this should have been taken care of, but I do not agree with his statement, as a whole.
Yes, he showed compassion. This bill offered little money for the victims. He will fight to remove the pork out of it and there will be more money for the victims in it. Read before you comment.
So nothing has changed after four years with President Obama. The GOP is only interested in their own needs and agendas. Needs of the people? Oh well.
The GOP can't do a thing to Chris Christy as he's a governor,he has seen the light and rejects the evil teachings of the GOP! More in the GOP will see the "light" soon,and leave the "dark" side no doubt!
GOP? They signed your socialistic bill didn't they?
Ooohhh....I think I sense some sore-loser syndrome.
I used to despise the loud mouth, Behemoth Christie. I really need to go to my doctor, because I am beginning to like the guy. If Christie would change to Democrat soon, lose a few pounds, he could run for President in 2016, if Hillary is not able to. If Hillary is allright to run for President, she could choose Christie for Vice. It is possible.
wiscagarman - I would consider to vote for that ticket even if Christy didnt change parties
uchusky99: "NY and NJ contribute far more $ than we receive from the federal government-yet when we need help, we have to wait longer than anyone else?"
Good point! Most Tea Baggers in Congress come from states that suck money from our federal government - get more out than they pay in. Why would they care about any other state that helps pay their way?
It's true. Just remind the ignorant right wingers of this fact whenever they complain that Democrats are 'big spenders'.
My state, New Jersey, receives only 61 cents for every dollar we send to Washington. In fact, the biggest 'giver' states, per capita, are the liberal Democratic states in the Northeast and Midwest. Look it up.
Who are the biggest 'taker' states, per capita? None other than those states in the GOP-dominated South, and especially Alaska (the biggest taker state of all).
We northeasterners have always been very generous in helping out our fellow Americans whenever disaster struck. Now, it is our turn, and we get treated like this?
We will NOT forget, I promise you.
Red States get the MOST government assistance but hate government. Only in a Red State! Red States are moochers with their hands out unlike the Blue States
Only a Fascist would call any American a Socialist. What's the difference between a Rightwinger/Teabagger and a Nazi? A brownshirt and Swastika.
Wall Street? , Banks? , China? , Europe? Speculators? ......................
ANSWER: None of the above. Republican teabaggers are the biggest threat by far. They are economic Al Qaeda terrorists intent on slitting America's fiscal throat.
Aid should have been provided immediately. This is just another example of the fact that representative's take on issues depends on whether or not their ox is getting gored.
I should not now or ever be responsible for the NY citizens or citizens from any other state for their irresponsibility in not carring the appropiate hazard insurance. It is more of the entitlement mentality that will be the ruin of the country. Your bad decisions do not constitute an emergency on my part. If you live next to a large body of tidal water buy the right insurance or suffer the consequences.
We understand you Rightwingers and we STAND by our comments! I know you people are mentally challenged and have such fragile feelings! Grow up! Wise up too! Us Moderates are the majority in this country! Majority wins Jethro!
Of course many of you are ready to lambast the GOP in the house but not ONE of you noted that the bill was LADEN WITH PORK. $27 Billion is what is supposed to go to Sandy relief. The rest is PORK, although this joke of an article doesn't even MENTION that... WOW, big surprise from the Obama News Network...
For those of you who say you don't care and to just get the aid to the victims... Look in the mirror and you'll discover one of the problems with this country.
For those of you that agree, voice it.
Boehner has the Tea Party to contend with. When he gets half a brain he may realize the tea party conservatives aren't worth a bucket of warm spit. And with the addition of the southern bigots who wouldn't give you ten cents to save one life north of the Mason-Dixon line he has a real mess on his hands. I want to see one Republican who was affected by Sandy vote or donate to that party. In Jersey the saving grace for Republicans is Christie, I will be curious to see how he blasts his own party in this mess. Christie is in a pickle because if he doesn't you know for sure he is running for President and will sell his own constituents down the pike for a nomination and if he does he won't be president.
Wake up GOP rank and file members, GOP Congress thinks only of reelection from its far right constituency in its home districts. GOP in those districts has already seceded from being Americans. GOP/2% can't see the Sandy destruction from the top of the food chain. Your problem, not the GOP/2%. The elites are mad you raised their taxes. GOP/2% doesn't care if we go to 2nd recession or down grade national credit rating. GOP/2% won't feel it. They know if you live on a paycheck, you will be hurt. That's what we get for raising their taxes. Snotty, self absorbed, smucks, who are going to make America and Americans pay for raising their taxes. I say, if you don't like it here, pack up and move to where you keep your money off shore GOP/2%. America love it or leave it.