Charles E. Schumer, Democratic Senator from New York, said on Wednesday that the Hurricane Sandy aid package proposed by Republicans falls substantially short of what is need to finance recovery and will leave business owners, homeowners and municipalities without the resources they need, reported The New York Times.
The Republicans' $23.8 billion emergency spending package is less than half of what is proposed in the Democratic aid plan -- $60.4 billion. The Democrat's bill is based largely on the plan President Obama sent to Congress two weeks ago.
“This proposal is not even within the ballpark of what New York and New Jersey need,” said Schumer.
Democrats are calling the alternative Republican aid package -- introduced by Senator Dan Coats of Indiana -- a token proposal intended to give cover to Republicans who will not vote for the larger bill, reported the paper.
But some Republicans fear that the Democrat's version of the aid bill was rushed and included sweeping cost items that may not be needed. Also, they contend, the money in the Democratic bill should be distributed in installments as needed, versus one lump sum, considering that states could only spend so much money at one time.
Still, Schumer stands with the Democrats in insisting the package Republicans have proposed simply is not enough, and they will keep fighting until New York gets its fair share.
“We welcome a vote, but it has no chance of passing the Senate," said Schumer.
