President Signs Sandy Relief Bill Into Law

Washington, DC – President Obama signed into law a $50 billion aid package for states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) praised the enactment of the bill, saying the funds were necessary to facilitate New York City's recovery.

"This measure is badly needed," Velázquez said. "These funds will help our small businesses recover from economic damage, rebuild our transportation system and assist struggling homeowners and residents who have borne the brunt of this catastrophe."

Among other provisions, the bill makes available $16 billion for Housing and Urban Development Department community block grants. $11 billion will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief aid fund. New York and New Jersey transit systems will receive $10 billion to rebuild.

"These funds will not only let our city recover, but also rebuild stronger and smarter, so that future storms do not have the same crippling impact as Sandy," Velázquez added.

Included in the bill is an amendment authored by Velázquez that would help rebuild military cemeteries affected by the storm. Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn had been damaged by debris and falling trees following the storm. The site is the final resting place for 20,000 fallen service members. Velázquez's amendment would set aside funding to repair the cemetery, New York City's only veterans cemetery.

"Those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation deserve our honor and respect," Velázquez noted. "By caring for and maintaining this historic site, we can ensure future generations have a place to pay their respects to our fallen heroes."

Sandy is widely being recognized as one of the worst storms to strike the northeast. It is currently blamed for 130 deaths and tens of billions of dollars in property damage.