WASHINGTON - Following his several floor speeches to fend off Republican attempts to substantially cut Superstorm Sandy disaster aid, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez today lauded the passage of the $60.4 billion Sandy Relief Package with a vote of 61-33.
Following today's vote, Senator Menendez called upon members of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the legislation when they convene on Sunday.
"On behalf of the thousands of courageous Superstorm Sandy survivors who continue to work toward rebuilding and recovery, I express my deepest gratitude to my colleagues who voted in favor of this Sandy Relief Package," said Senator Menendez. "This is a great step forward, but our work is not yet done. I call upon members of the House to pass this critical legislation quickly when they return on Sunday. This is not a partisan matter, nor is it limited to just the Northeast. Passage of Sandy Relief is of great national concern. It's vital to our economic vitality and American integrity. Today, the majority of U.S. Senators acted on the belief that we are the United States of America, and I strongly urge House members to act on the same principle as soon as possible. Since this disaster relief package has been well known for some time now, I believe the House should pass the bill. I urge Governor Christie to call upon the Speaker and the leadership of the House of Representatives to take up the bill and pass it upon their return this Sunday."
The Sandy Relief Package passed today includes the following provisions:
Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey on Oct. 29. Since then, Senator Menendez has been relentless in his efforts to help those recovering from the storm.
Last night, Senator Menendez gave an impassioned appeal to his colleagues from the Senate floor urging for the passage of Sandy relief. It was the third floor speech Senator Menendez gave in 10 days pushing for the legislation.
Senator Menendez also called out Republicans who attempted to make significant cuts to the bill and who promoted a piecemeal approach to Sandy Recovery.
Last week, Senator Menendez convened a hearing of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee of the Senate Banking Committee to focus on the importance of the $60.4 billion Sandy Relief Package to restoring housing and transit systems affected by the storm.
Just after the Obama Administration requested a $60.4 billion Sandy Relief Package, Senator Menendez led a delegation of his Senate colleagues through storm-affected areas in New Jersey.
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