A sampling of reaction to the House vote approving $50.7 billion in Sandy relief from Trenton and Washington.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Governor Chris Christie holds press conference about the delay in Hurricane Sandy relief
Governor Chris Christie holds press conference about the delay in Hurricane Sandy relief . (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
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“We are grateful to those members of Congress who today pulled together in a unified, bipartisan coalition to assist millions of their fellow Americans in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut at their greatest time of need. The tradition of Congress being there and providing support for Americans during times of crisis, no matter where they live across this great country, lives on in today’s vote in the House of Representatives. We anticipate smooth passage when this package moves back to the Senate for final approval and for this long-awaited relief to finally make its way to our residents.”

U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

"It's great news for families, communities and small businesses in our region that the House – after weeks of delay - finally passed an emergency relief bill for Superstorm Sandy. Our region extends a helping hand any time another community suffers from a major disaster, and we're pleased that the House voted to provide this emergency relief for New Jersey and New York. As we rebuild, we are committed to making smart investments to ensure that our transportation networks, beach communities, businesses and local neighborhoods can rebuild stronger so that they are better prepared for future storms."

Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ)

Rep. Jon Runyan (R)
Rep. Jon Runyan (R) (CSPAN)
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“I am pleased that the House of Representatives has finally passed legislation to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The funding will go a long way in helping the individuals, families, and businesses who have suffered and continue to deal with the aftermath of the storm. I am hopeful that the Senate will quickly debate and pass this bipartisan legislation so that families in New Jersey and New York will not have to continue to wait for the aid they need.

I was also pleased that my amendment to limit fisheries disaster funding within this bill to fisheries that were affected by Hurricane Sandy passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. This amendment echoes the concerns many have that disaster spending in this bill should be directed to provide relief in Sandy impacted states with a fisheries declaration.”

Congressman Frank Pallone (D)

Frank Pallone
Rep. Frank Pallone (CSPAN)
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“This relief package could not come soon enough. Today marks 78 days since Superstorm Sandy struck and devastated our homes, businesses and communities. The Senate passed a relief package, but sadly the House Republican leadership chose to prolong the process and thus the rebuilding efforts in affected communities. I am grateful that towns in my district that are strapped for funds will finally receive federal aid that will enable them to recover and rebuild from the historic storm.

“House passage of this package means we are one step closer to families returning home and businesses rebuilding so they can once again contribute to our economy. It also means our communities will receive flood protection so a similar storm won’t produce similar destruction. I look forward to swift action in the Senate so we may move towards building a stronger New Jersey.”

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D)

"After waiting nearly 80 days, I am pleased the victims of Sandy are one step closer to receiving the emergency aid they desperately need. Passage of this bill will ensure that families get the funding they need to rebuild, businesses can take out a loan, and we can study and build long term mitigation projects to protect our state from future disastrous weather events. The Northeast has stepped up to the plate time and time again when other regions needed aid and I'm glad to see the House has finally done the same for us. I applaud Chairman Frelinghuysen for his successful amendment, and my bipartisan delegation colleagues for their hard work. I also commend Governors Christie, Cuomo and Malloy for their leadership and tireless efforts in bringing relief to the residents of their states. Now that this legislation has passed the House, I urge the Senate to act immediately so that the recovery and rebuilding can begin in earnest.”

 Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R)

Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R)
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R) (CSPAN)
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“Months after residents, businesses and communities in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut were devastated by Hurricane Sandy, the House has approved the critical federal assistance needed to rebuild. While almost over, the delays South Jersey residents witnessed by Washington are inexcusable and unacceptable. A disaster means a disaster – not an opportunity to change midstream the process by which the government responds. Compassion and cooperation must not be blocked by politics and personal prerogatives. The hurt, the suffering and the need to recover are real and, finally, South Jersey can rebuild,” said LoBiondo. “I appreciate and applaud my colleagues in the New Jersey and New York delegations, as well as Governors Christie and Cuomo, for uniting in this fight for what our communities desperately needed and deserve.”

 Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic)

“It was wrong that it took so long to get to this point, but I’m gratified the House finally did the right thing to help those still struggling in New Jersey to put their home and businesses back together after Sandy. I'd like to thank New Jersey's delegation for all their hard work to get this done.

“I look forward to quick action by the U.S. Senate to get this bill to President Obama’s desk.

“It’s a shame New Jersey was forced to wait while House Republicans played politics, but at least this hurdle has been cleared. It’s what New Jersey residents and business owners deserve to help get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

State Senator/Gubernatorial Candidate  Barbara Buono (D)

State Senator Barbara Buono
State Senator Barbara Buono (Facebook)
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"After a petty, political delay that put billions in recovery aid in jeopardy, I'm pleased that the House has finally voted to provide the much-needed resources to help rebuild New Jersey. Seventy-nine days after Sandy struck, we have far more work to do to help the 40,000 New Jersey families and countless businesses who have been displaced by this natural disaster.

We're counting on the Senate to pass this relief package next week so that funds can go as quickly as possible to our neighbors in need,"

 

 

 

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