House Approves $50.7 Billion in Sandy Aid

The House of Representatives finally got around to approving an aid package totalling more than $50 billion for Superstorm Sandy relief Tuesday night, the AP reported.

The measure passed by more than 60 votes and is likely to be voted in next week by the Senate before landing on President Barack Obama's desk. 

The bill was first scheduled for a vote during the last session of the 112th Congress earlier this month, but was tabled by Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio. 

The decision not to vote on the bill at the time drew scorn from dozens of northeastern legisatlors, including Long Island Republican Peter King and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. 

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, who was sworn in to represent Forest Hills weeks ago, said she was pleased by the vote.

"It’s been two and a half months since Hurricane Sandy hammered our region, and thousands of New Yorkers continue to suffer from the devastation," Meng said. "Now, they will finally receive the relief that they have desperately needed."

Meng called the delay in passing the bill "outrageous."

"Despite the roadblocks and inexcusable delays, the House finally did the right thing by approving this critical funding," Meng said. "But I’m pleased that that the money will finally start to head our way.”