Congress approves storm relief for Sandy victims - latimes.com

Congress approves storm relief for Sandy victims - latimes.com: "WASHINGTON — Responding to the political furor over delays in disaster aid to the Northeast, Congress on Friday approved a $9.7-billion flood insurance measure, the first installment of potentially $60 billion in Superstorm Sandy relief.

The action comes after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Rep. Peter T. King of New York, among others, blasted House Speaker John A. Boehner, a fellow Republican, for putting off a vote on a relief measure in the closing hours of the 112th Congress.

The House approved the bill, 354 to 67, with all the no votes coming from Republicans. It then passed the Senate on a voice vote. President Obama is expected to sign the measure."

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US House speaker re-elected with new Congress

Tax Deal Shows Possible Path Around House G.O.P. in Fiscal Fights - NYTimes.com

Tax Deal Shows Possible Path Around House G.O.P. in Fiscal Fights - NYTimes.com: "WASHINGTON — With the contentious 112th Congress coming to a close, the talks between the White House, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats that secured a path around a looming fiscal crisis on Tuesday may point the way forward for President Obama as he tries to navigate his second term around House Republicans intent on blocking his agenda in the 113th."

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