An obviously frustrated New Jersey Governor Chris Christie held a press conference today Jan. 2, 2013, where he blasted Speaker of the House John Boehner and the House of Representatives, for not passing the $60 billion aid package for Hurricane Sandy stating “there is only one group to blame for the continuing suffering of these innocent victims, the house majority and their speaker John Boehner. This is not a republican or democratic issue, national disasters happen in red states and blue states. And states with democratic and republican governors. We respond to innocent victims of natural disasters not as republicans or democrats but as Americans, or at least we did until last night. Last night’s politics was placed before our oath to serve our citizens. For me it was disappointing and disgusting to watch.”
“Last night the House of Representatives failed that most basic test of public service and they did so with callous and difference to the suffering of the people of my state.”Christie said. He also stated that this just could not overcome the “toxic internal politics of the house and majority.” “Americans are tired of the palace intrigue of political partisanship of this congress which places one up-man- ship ahead of the lives of the citizens who sent these people to Washington in the first place.” Christie noted how quickly aid was given to other states and said “66 days and counting, shame on you shame on congress.”
"I called the Speaker four times last night and he would not take my calls." Christie said
“Despite my anger and disappointment, it is my hope that the good people of congress, and there are good people, will prevail on their colleagues to finally put aside the politics and help our people now, it’s the only hope we have left. One thing I can assure the people of this region is this, New York Governor Cuomo and I will not stop fighting together to see that justice is done and that our citizens suffering is finally addressed by this congress.”
Christie added “we were given assurances by everyone over the weekend that this would be done, as late as last night at 9pm. That as soon as the vote on the fiscal cliff was over that the rule would be discussed for voting today on the aid package.” Christie then stated that” this was the speakers decision, his alone and I can tell you that our representatives down in congress from both sides of the aisle in both NY and NJ were working with unrivaled partisanship together. The President called me earlier today to assure me of his continued support that this would continue to be a priority of his administration. I spoke with Majority Leader Eric Cantor earlier today, I think that Eric was working as hard as he could to get this done for us throughout the weekend and the early part of this week. I had a conversation with the speaker this morning and he informed me he would be meeting this afternoon with members of the NJ and NY delegation for the Republican Party.”
A disgusted President Obama also issued a release chastising the House for its lack of response; “it has only been two months since Hurricane Sandy devastated communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as other eastern states. Our citizens are still trying to put their lives back together.” Obama added “our states are still trying to rebuild vital infrastructure. And so, last month, working closely with the Governors of the affected states, I sent Congress an urgent request to support their efforts to rebuild and recover. The Senate passed this request with bipartisan support. But the House of Representatives have refused to act, even as there are families and communities who still need our help to rebuild in the months and years ahead, and who also still need immediate support with the bulk of winter still in front of us.”
Obama went on to say “when tragedy strikes, Americans come together to support those in need. I urge Republicans in the House of Representatives to do the same, bring this important request to a vote today, and pass it without delay for our fellow Americans.”
The decision not to vote on this is beyond comprehension. I live on the Jersey Shore, I see what my family, friend and neighbors are going through and playing politics with our lives is despicable. House Speaker John Boehner should be ashamed and tar and feathered for not bringing this bill onto the floor for a vote. His lack of leadership is inexcusable; he clearly does not deserve a second term as Speaker of the House. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, Christie can’t say it but I will, I can’t help but notice that NJ, NY, and CT are all blue states that voted for Obama in the last election. With the exception of NJ having a Republican governor, the other two are also democratic governors. To call Speaker Boehners office to voice your displeasure, you can call 202-225-0600
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