WASHINGTON — The Senate has approved a $60.4 billion emergency-spending package for Hurricane Sandy recovery that was backed by Democrats.
The 61-33 vote yesterday sends the measure to the House, where the bill faces uncertain prospects. House GOP leaders appear reluctant to move quickly on a big spending bill in the final days of a lame-duck session that’s being dominated by talks to avert the fiscal cliff.
Republican leaders favor a smaller aid package to pay for immediate Sandy recovery needs, saying they need more time to consider any additional aid.
Gov. Cuomo yesterday called on federal lawmakers to put partisan battles aside to approve the full disaster-aid bill.
“Our demonstrated need and the House’s past precedent should make this vote a slam dunk,” Cuomo said.
About half the aid package would go to New York state.