Confusion in Sandy Aid bill

WTNH TV

Stephanie Simoni

Updated: Jan 3, 2013 11:36 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some lawmakers were furious when the House adjourned Tuesday night without passing a disaster relief package for Hurricane Sandy victims. House Speaker John Boehner scheduled a vote for Friday on 9 billion dollars of the 60 billion dollar aid bill.

Tempers flared over the decision not to vote on the Sandy Relief Bill.

"66 days and counting. Shame on you, shame on Congress," said Gov. Chris Christie.

But tensions quickly calmed after Republican Representative Peter King said a vote will be scheduled for Friday.

"Listen, I'm from New York politics. We're full of scars and bruises and broken bones, so that's all part of the business," said Rep. Peter King.

But some critics, like California Representative Darrell Issa said it was full of pork, spending items considered over the past month have been called excessive or unnecessary.

Like, $17 billion dollars in Community Development Block Grants, Amtrak expenses totaling more than three hundred million, 4 Million for the Kennedy Space Center Roof repairs at Smithsonian in Washington at two million dollars and disaster aid to Alaskan fishers totaling more than 100 million.

Others say there is no pork to be found.

"First of all, with all due respect, Darrell Issa is 1,000% wrong. There is absolutely no pork in the bill. There were some items that were added in the Senate involving Alaska which is less than 1% of the bill. Even though it's only 1% of the bill, every one of those items was removed from the house bill. There is no pork and to somehow say that $33 billion is pork, Darrell Issa with all due respect is 1,000% wrong, i say that again 1,000% wrong."

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