Boehner, Cantor Release Joint Statement: Sandy Aid Should Be ‘First Priority’

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) released a statement Wednesday afternoon amidst criticism from both parties over their refusal to tackle a bill that would provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. They recognized the request from members of the New York and New Jersey delegations that aid to victims of the storm be “the first priority in the new Congress.”

Governor Chris Christie was among Republicans to take issue with Boehner’s stance, telling reporters, “This was the speaker’s decision – his alone.”

Rep. Peter King also slammed the House GOP, saying “They’ve written me off, and they’re gonna have a hard time getting my vote, I can tell you that.”

The statement outlined the actions Boehner and Cantor plan to take on the matter:

“The House will vote Friday to direct needed resources to the National Flood Insurance Program. And on January 15th, the first full legislative day of the 113th Congress, the House will consider the remaining supplemental request for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.”

—
>> Follow Anjali Sareen (@AnjaliSareen) On Twitter

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!