HOT SEATS

Congress Extends Sandy Aid

Now goes to Obama to sign.

Time to seal the deal, Boehner. Both the House and the Senate voted Friday to release $9.7 billion in aid for superstorm Sandy victims, after House Republicans were excoriated for tabling the $60 billion bill New Year’s Day. House Speaker John Boehner reversed the decision after he was blasted by fellow Republicans like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who called the House’s decision to pull the bill “disappointing and disgusting.” Boehner promised that Congress would vote on the remaining $51 billion in requested funds Jan. 15. FEMA has been footing the bill for flood damage, but has warned that the National Flood Insurance Program’s funding will run dry next week if Congress doesn’t pitch in. The bill will now go to President Obama, who is likely to sign it, since earlier in the week he urged the House to vote on it immediately.