WASHINGTON -- President Obama returned to Washington on Sunday and signed legislation authorizing $9.7 billion to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Congress passed the measure Friday while Obama was vacationing with his family in Hawaii. States hit hard by the October storm are seeking $60 billion in federal aid.
The $9.7 billion will replenish the National Flood Insurance Program, allowing the government to meet obligations to homeowners who paid for coverage.
Northeastern lawmakers, still angry that the full package was sent back to the legislative starting line last week, expect a much tougher fight to get the rest of the money they want.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo have called the $9.7 billion "just a down payment," and said in a joint statement: "It is now time to go even further and pass the final and more complete, clean disaster-aid bill."
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
