House Approves Emergency Funding for Hurricane Sandy Aid

Deal passed with majority Democratic votes

The House approved nearly $50 billion in relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Tuesday. The deal was passed with a majority of Democratic votes and 49 from Republicans. The majority of Republicans however, 179 in all, opposed the package. Its passage was a complicated one. First, the House agreed to a bill that contained $17 billion intended to cover immediate relief needs. The measure passed on a 327 to 91 vote. Then, on a 228 to 192 vote, the House tacked on an additional $33.6 billion to cover a longer-term effort to rebuild. They also approved $9.7 billion for flood relief earlier this month. Supporters say all of the money is desperately needed. (Washington Post)

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