New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) holds a news conference on the federal bill that would provide aid to Hurricane Sandy victims. The bill has passed the Senate, but the House adjourned Wednesday without voting on the measure.
Gov. Christie placed the blame directly on House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. The New Jersey Republican said the people of New Jersey must come ahead of "petty personal politics," and that this was not a partisan issue.
Gov. Christie said the bill overcame many obstacles, but could not overcome the "toxic internal politics of the House majority."
Speaker Boehner met with the New York and New Jersey delegations Wednesday afternoon. Reports from the meeting suggest that the House could vote on an aid package as early as Friday. Because the new session of congress begins on Thursday, the Senate will need to approve any measure the House passes. Following the meeting, several members talked with reporters, including Rep. Peter King (R-NY) who had earlier taken to the House floor to express his disgust with the process. Following the meeting, he appeared encouraged that a deal would get done.
President Obama spoke with Gov. Christie and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) on Wednesday.
The President is urging the House to pass the Senate bill so that New York, New Jersey and other East Coast residents affected by Superstorm Sandy can get financial aid to "rebuild in the months and years ahead."