Amid the discussions of the "fiscal cliff" and the debt ceiling, the United States Senate takes up a relief package intended to aid recovery from Hurricane Sandy. But it has become embroiled in the debate about the nation's finances
Amid the discussions of the "fiscal cliff" and the debt ceiling, the United States Senate takes up a relief package intended to aid recovery from Hurricane Sandy. But it has become embroiled in the debate about the nation's finances. Brent Martin reports. . .
Brent Martin
It totals more than 60(B)Billion dollars...and Senator Johanns worries it has strayed from its original intent. . .
Sen. Mike Johanns; "for federal agencies"
It also has changed as Senate leaders seek votes...shifting money to aid recovery in the South and Midwest to woo reluctant Senators who have expressed views similar to Johanns.
As for Johanns, he says he's glad to vote for needed disaster assistance. . .
Johanns; "disaster request"
Even if the measure passes the Senate, it faces a tough vote in the House, which hasn't even returned to session.
Senator Johanns worries that a disaster relief bill has been loaded down with extra spending.
Johanns says the 60(B)Billion dollar Hurricane Sandy relief package likely to come before the Senate for a vote today (THU) contains a lot of non-emergency funding. . .
Johanns; "asking for"
Johanns says he's glad to vote for needed disaster assistance, but believes the bill has become a "wish list" for federal agencies.
Senator Johanns is concerned that the Hurricane Sandy disaster relief package likely to come before the Senate for a vote today (THU) contains a lot of non-emergency spending.
Johanns says the 60(B)Billion dollar bill appears to have become a "wish list" for federal agencies. . .
Johanns; "make you ill"
Some spending in the bill has been shifted to aid relief efforts in the South and Midwest in a bid to attract the support needed for passage.
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
