More elected leaders are now joining local members of Congress in speaking out about House leadership pulling a Tuesday night vote on aid for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The House adjourned without approving relief packages for the areas hit hardest by the October superstorm, including 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Congressman Peter King, a Republican from devastated Long Island, N.Y., attacked his own party Wednesday, and Democrats joined him with stinging criticism of House Speaker John Boehner.
"We cannot believe that this cruel knife in the back
was delivered to our region," King said. "I have to go home this
weekend and next week and the week after and see the hundreds, the thousands of
people who are out of their homes, who don't have shelter, who don't have food,
and they're living with relatives, friends, living in trailers – this is not
the United States of America. This should not be the Republican Party. This
should not be the Republican leadership."
President Barack Obama is also calling for House Republicans to vote Wednesday, saying in a written statement that many people are trying to recover and need "immediate support with the bulk of winter still in front of us."
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced he's holding a news conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the House's failure to act now 66 days after the storm.
Christie issued a joint statement with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo that said, in part: "The fact that days continue to go by while people suffer, families are out of their homes and men and women remain jobless and struggling during these harsh winter months is a dereliction of duty. When American citizens are in need we come to their aid. That tradition was abandoned in the House last night. #SandyBill."
Members of the New York and New Jersey delegations will meet Boehner on Wednesday afternoon and ask for a vote today on the $60 billion dollars in aid.
It's been approved by the Senate, but some Republicans say the cost of the bill is excessive.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
"It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT
It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
