WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats believe they have the votes to approve a $60.4 billion Hurricane Sandy disaster-relief bill by the end of the week.
The bill cleared a major hurdle last week when the Senate voted 91-1 to override any Republican filibuster and set up a final vote.
“Last week’s vote gives us a lot of momentum,” Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said yesterday. “Now we need to work hard to defeat amendments that may try to weaken the package.”
One of those amendments, by Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.), would slash the package to $24 billion. Democrats, who control the chamber 52-47, have the votes to beat it back.
The Senate will take up 20 more amendments, which could shave off spending items but aren’t expected to have a huge impact.
If approved by the Senate, the bill would go to the House, which would have only a few days to pass it before the congressional year ends on Jan. 1.
“House Speaker [John] Boehner needs to bring back his members and give the Sandy package a vote on the floor,” Schumer said.
“If he does, we think it will pass.”