House approves $9.7 billion flood insurance package for Superstorm Sandy victims | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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House approves $9.7 billion flood insurance package for Superstorm Sandy victims

Municipal workers do repairs near a boarded-up business that was severely damaged two months ago by Superstorm Sandy in Bay Head, N.J., Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who has praised President Barack Obama's handling of the devastating storm, has blasted Republican U.S. House Speaker John Boehner for delaying a vote for federal storm relief. Now, under intense pressure from angry Republicans, Boehner has agreed to a vote this week on aid for Superstorm Sandy recovery. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House has overwhelmingly approved $9.7 billion to pay flood insurance claims for the many home and business owners flooded out by Superstorm Sandy. The vote came more than two months after the storm hit and days after Northeast Republicans erupted over House leader John Boehner's decision to delay an earlier vote.

Friday's 354-67 vote sends the bill to the Senate, which expects to pass the bill later Friday. All of the no votes were cast by Republicans.

The bill gives more borrowing authority to the National Flood Insurance Program to pay about 115,000 pending claims.

Northeast lawmakers say the money is urgently needed for victims of one of the worst storms ever to strike the region. Boehner set Friday's vote after sparking controversy with a decision to delay House action on a broader Sandy aid package.

News from © The Associated Press, 2013
The Associated Press

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