WASHINGTON – The effort to provide full federal funding to the communities, businesses and residents affected by Superstrom Sandy will be the focus of attention in Washington today. Northeastern lawmakers are hoping to push a $50.7 billion aid package through the House, although they face roadblocks by fiscal conservatives who want to focus on spending cuts to pay for the recovery efforts, as well as eliminate projects they say are unrelated to the Oct. 29 storm.
The base $17 billion bill by the House Appropriations Committee is aimed at immediate Sandy recovery needs, including $5.4 billion for New York and New Jersey transit systems and $5.4 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief aid fund.
Northeast lawmakers will have a chance to add to that bill with an amendment by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., for an additional $33.7 billion, including $10.9 billion for public transportation projects.
At least one conservative group is urging lawmakers to oppose both Sandy aid measures. Sandy aid supporters, nonetheless, voiced confidence the bill would get approved. Last month, the Senate passed a $60.4 billion Sandy aid package with bipartisan support.
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