Chris Christie today erupted over Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner‘s refusal to bring a bill to the floor for a vote that would deliver financial relief to victims of Superstorm Sandy, which hit New Jersey as Hurricane Sandy in October. The New Jersey governor labeled the House GOP leadership’s actions “a dereliction of duty,” and “inexcusable,” via Twitter. The Governor will hold a press conference today at 2:00 PM ET today over the House’s refusal later today, which you can watch here:
WATCH:Â Gov Chris Christie Full Press Conference Video On Squashed Sandy Relief Vote
READ: Christie Errupts: ‘It Was The Speaker’s Decision — His Alone’ To Squash Sandy Relief Bill
House Republicans for weeks have been trying to slash 60 percent of the aid requested by President Obama for victims of the storm that killed over 253 people in seven countries and well over 100 people in the U.S. Sandy is responsible for an estimated $63 billion in damage, much of it in New Jersey and New York. Suggesting Christie use this event to switch parties, Brent Budowsky in a Hill op-ed writes:
In the annals of the most immoral disgraces in the history of the American Congress, the action of House Republicans to kill assistance to victims of Hurricane Sandy is among the most disgraceful and revolting, a testament to why Republicans have lost three of the last four national elections, and a deliberate insult to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as well as Americans in all affected states.
And here’s a selection of Governor Christie’s tweets about the vote — or lack thereof:[View the story “Chris Christie Erupts Over Boehner’s Refusal To Vote On Relief For Sandy Victims” on Storify]
Chris Christie Erupts Over Boehner’s Refusal To Vote On Relief For Sandy Victims
Storified by David Badash· Wed, Jan 02 2013 09:01:07
When American citizens are in need we come to their aid. That tradition was abandoned in the House last night. #SandyBillGovernor Christie
…and men and women remain jobless and struggling during these harsh winter months is a dereliction of duty. #SandyBillGovernor Christie
The fact that days continue to go by while people suffer, families are out of their homes…Governor Christie
.@NYGovCuomo and I believe this continued inaction and indifference by the House of Representatives is inexcusable. #SandyBillGovernor Christie
I will be holding a press conference in Trenton at 2pm today regarding #SandyBill. To watch it live, click here http://tinyurl.com/3vbwbkrGovernor Christie
Happy New Year!Governor Christie
@ForestWalters No I didn’t–I wore a red Christmas sweater!Governor Christie
…and to respond to the Senate’s action today in kind, by taking prompt action on this aid bill this weekend. (end)Governor Christie
We urge the House of Representatives to not delay…(con’t)Governor Christie
It is essential that this assistance not fall victim to partisanship or ideological divide the nation is witnessing in Washington. (con’t)Governor Christie
…just as it always has, for citizens of other states across the country who have endured the devastation of natural disaster. (con’t)Governor Christie
We now urge the House to act swiftly this weekend in recognition of its obligation & responsibility to take action in this instance…(con’t)Governor Christie
We especially want to thank our states’ senators for their remarkable efforts to see this aid was approved. (con’t)Governor Christie
…and to move quickly aggressively & responsibly w/ efforts to rebuild & strengthen our states after historic devastation of #Sandy. (con’t)Governor Christie
The Senate membership has our respect & gratitude for voting to deliver to the people of our states the resources we need to recover…(con’t)Governor Christie
.@NYGovCuomo and I released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the #Sandy disaster assistance legislation (con’t):Governor Christie
Image via Governor Christie/Twitter