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House Passes Sandy Aid Package

January 16, 2013

House Passes Sandy Aid Package

Washington, DC –New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy will soon receive badly needed resources from the federal government as last night the House of Representatives approved $9.7 billion in relief funding. Included with these resources were two policy initiatives advocated by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

“I’m pleased the House has approved this package of funding, which will help thousands of New Yorkers.” said Velázquez. “These resources will not only help our communities recover and rebuild, but also strengthen the city’s critical infrastructures against the threat of future storms.”

One local landmark, Cypress Hills National Cemetery was damaged by debris and falling tress following the storm. The site is the final resting place for 20,000 fallen service members. One of Velázquez’s amendments, adopted by the House, would set funding aside to help repair the cemetery, New York City’s only veterans cemetery.

“Military grave yards are sacred memorials and ensuring they stand the test of time is the least we can do for the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation,” Velázquez said. “My amendment will ensure that we honor our nation’s heroes with dignity.”

With the storm surge from Sandy having engulfed low-lying housing, flooding basements, common areas, and apartments, toxic mold has spread quickly in many apartment buildings throughout New York. Left in place, mold and mildew have been known to cause serious health problems for families. Velázquez was able to secure a commitment that the final bill would provide funding for removal of mold from York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments.

“Mold can cause serious respiratory and other health issues,” Velázquez noted. “It is critical we protect working families by ensuring NYCHA developments are free of any mold that was brought in during Sandy.”

The measures passed by the House must now be approved by the Senate before being sent to the President for his signature.