"WASHINGTON -- More than 10 weeks after Superstorm Sandy brutalized parts of the heavily populated Northeast, the House approved $50.7 billion in emergency relief for the victims Tuesday night as Republican leaders struggled to close out an episode that exposed painful party divisions inside Congress and out."

"The vote was 241-180, and officials said the Senate was likely to accept the measure early next week and send it to President Barack Obama for his signature. Democrats supported the aid in large numbers, but there was substantial Republican backing, too, in the GOP-controlled House.

'We are not crying wolf here,' said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., one of a group of Northeastern lawmakers from both parties who sought House passage of legislation roughly in line with what the Obama administration and governors of the affected states have sought."

David Espo reports for the Associated Press January 15, 2013. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"National Flood Insurance Program -- a Mighty Engine That Couldn't" (ClimateWire) [3]

"House Approves $50.7 Billion in Emergency Aid for Storm Victims" (New York Times) [4]