Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement to urge the House GOP Leadership to bring the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations Bill to the floor for an up-or-down vote before adjourning the 112th Congress:

“I join the Democratic Leadership in calling for the House to vote on this very important bill before the end of the 112th Congress. My Colleagues and I who represent the regions that were devastated by Superstorm Sandy have seen the devastation with our own eyes, and can attest that the need is great.

This emergency funding is crucial to rebuilding efforts in the hardest hit areas, such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners and small business owners are in desperate need of emergency aid in order to rebuild their homes and livelihood. Many of the cities and states have lost key infrastructure and cannot begin to rebuild until federal funding is guaranteed. The funding will provide the Army Corps of Engineers with resources to expedite studies and begin repairs, as well as to replenish the National Flood Insurance Program.

Those impacted by Superstorm Sandy have been waiting two months. They simply cannot afford to wait any longer, and I urge the House Leadership to bring the bill to the House floor so we can vote to provide the same expedited assistance as it has in the past. Our governors have worked efficiently to request only the most basic needs, and their requests have the backing of the Senate and the President. Millions of Americans are counting on the House to act before adjournment."