On the recordJanuary 15, 2013
I thank my friend for yielding. Seventy-eight days ago, a tremendous force of fury hit the northeastern region of the United States. Today we make an act of national interest. This is not an act of excess or an act of charity. For those who claim that there is excess in this bill, I would suggest that they read it. Throughout this bill, the bill says that the spending is limited to ``necessary expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy.'' This is throughout the text of the bill. This is not an act of charity. These three States--New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut--these three States pay almost 16 percent of the taxes collected in the United States of America. Three States, 16 percent of the taxes. You ask the question: Who suffered because of Superstorm Sandy? Certainly our neighbors in New York and New Jersey and Connecticut suffered the most, but all Americans will suffer if this economic engine is not rebuilt. The three States that pay nearly 16 percent of the taxes need this reconstruction, and so does the United States of America. All Members, Republican and Democrat, should vote ``yes'' in favor of this legislation.
