“It has been nearly nine weeks since Hurricane Sandy slammed the shores of New York City, leaving widespread damage in its wake. Today the U.S. Senate responded by passing an Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill for federal disaster relief. I applaud all those who supported this bipartisan legislation and allowed for its passage because the funding it contains is crucial for the thousands of residents and small businesses impacted by the storm. I would especially like to thank Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their leadership on this issue, which is so important for the recovery of New York City and the entire region. The Federal government has long provided emergency funding after natural disasters, including more than $62 billion in relief within 10 days of Hurricane Katrina. Before Sandy even made land, President Obama committed federal resources for the response and recovery of the storm. Today’s action by the Senate is an important step in ensuring this aid becomes reality and I urge the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly pass this legislation before the end of the 112^th Congress. Time is of the essence and any delay will further impede our ability to rebuild, impacting not only the City’s economy, but that of the entire nation.”