Selfish House Republicans Don't Care About New Jersey, New York And Connecticut

     Amid the legitimate critical uproar from Republicans and Democrats alike, Speaker of the House John Boehner - although long overdue - has now come to his senses and will hold a vote this Friday, January 4th, 2013 for a bill that would provide relief for those states walloped by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.  However, this week's vote will only be for a provision of 9 billion dollars to cover flood insurance for areas slammed by the superstorm.  Boehner says Congress will not vote on a package for another 51 billion dollars until members return to the Capitol on January 15th.

     "Getting critical aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy should be the first priority in the new Congress and that was reaffirmed today with members of the New York and New Jersey delegations," Boehner said Wednesday.

     "First priority?"  Does Speaker Boehner not know the definition of the word "first?"  It's been more than two months since Sandy devastated portions of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut - and now - only after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Representative Peter King - both Republicans - blasted Boehner on Wednesday for basically screwing up - has he scheduled the vote.

     Congressman King was on the warpath of revenge - and rightfully so - against his own Republican colleagues - saying that they had shown their true colors and exposed a bias against the blue states of America's northeast.  King said, although he is not thinking of switching parties, he suggested that those House Republicans - who don't support the Sandy relief bill - should be bashed where it hurts by New Yorkers.  King was fuming when he said, "These people have no problem finding New York when it comes to raising money.  They only have a problem when it comes to allocating.  Anyone from New York or New Jersey who contributes one penny to Congressional Republicans after this should have their head examined."

     Meanwhile, Governor Christie put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Speaker Boehner and was bitterly irritated that it took four calls to Boehner before the Speaker would pick up the phone.

     "This used to be something that was not political.  Disaster relief was something you didn't play games with.  This is why the American people hate Congress.  Sixty-six days and counting - shame on you. Shame on Congress," Christie said.  The Garden State chief executive also said he received no explanation for the "disappointing and disgusting" decision, and in a joint statement from Christie and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo - a Democrat - the two state leaders accused the House of Representatives of a "dereliction of duty."

     I'm from New Jersey.  That is, I grew up there.  And I was born in New York.  Be that as it may - even if I had ties to one of 48 other states - my feelings would be the same.  What Speaker Boehner and the House Republicans did was beyond disgraceful.  It's been more than 9 weeks since Hurricane Sandy leveled areas of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut; destroying people's homes and their lives.  How dare Boehner and the Republicans abandon Americans in need!  I'm not generally a political fan of Governor Christie, but he hit the nail right on the head when he said, "Shame on Congress."  The atrocious behavior by Congressional Republicans is despicable and deplorable.

     I agree with Governor Christie that the good people of New Jersey (and New York and Connecticut) should feel "betrayed."  This was selfish, inhumane and inconsiderate action by House Republicans.  Face it, Governor Christie.  They just don't care.  But thankfully...you, Governor Cuomo and Congressman King do.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

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