Votes There For $andy
By Gerry ShieldsNew York Post
January 10, 2013
WASHINGTON – New York Republicans said yesterday they are confident they have the votes in the House to pass a $50 billion Hurricane Sandy disaster-relief package next week.
Rep. Peter King (R-LI) and Rep. Michael Grimm (R-SI) spent the week lining up the support of colleagues.
“I don’t want to be overconfident, but I think we’re going to have the votes,” King said.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of people and the reaction to last week has been very positive.”
House Speaker John Boehner canceled a vote on the aid as the previous Congress officially adjourned last week, forcing new legislation to be introduced. Boehner, who promised a Jan./ 15 vote, might actually end up helping to secure the necessary votes.
Grimm said he’s hoping to secure about 35 Republican votes to be safe. The chamber has 233 Republicans and 200 Democrats. Supporters need 218 votes to pass the measures.
The aid is broken up into a $16.9 billion base bill and a $33.7 billion amendment.
“I’m very confident we have the votes,” Grimm said. “There is no question that failure is not an option.”