Parting ways with many New York officials, Mayor Bloomberg today refused to attack House Speaker John Boehner for not enacting a $60 billion Sandy relief package in the final days of the last Congress.
“It’s not for me to second guess how you run a legislative body,” said the mayor. “I think we all know that both parties are fractured and are difficult to pull together and to lead.”
Bloomberg said he spoke to Boehner at length this morning and received assurances the bill to release federal storm aid would be considered this month.
“He said he is committed to bringing this legislation up and we all think it will pass if he does so,” the mayor added.
His position stood in stark contrast to critics, who blasted the House’s failure to act.
“The failure to come to the aid of Americans following a severe and devastating natural disaster is unprecedented,” Govs. Cuomo and Christie declared in a joint statement.
Former Comptroller Bill Thompson, one of the Democrats running to succeed Bloomberg, called Boehner’s decision to postpone a vote on Sandy aid “a travesty of epic proportions.”
“‘Boehner to City: Drop Dead’ is an appropriate headline for the Speaker’s actions,” said Thompson.