WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Senate has approved, by a vote of 62 to 36, H.R. 152, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act. This emergency supplemental provides much-needed relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy, and provides the funds necessary to begin the recovery and rebuilding effort. H.R. 152 now goes to the President for his expected signature.

Chairwoman Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) issued the following statement upon final passage of the measure:

"Hurricane Sandy was one of the most destructive storms to ever hit the United States. Hundreds of thousands of families have seen their lives turned upside-down. They've waited far too long for this legislation to reach the President's desk. I am pleased that the Senate has voted tonight to make that possible. This is the bill that will pay for disaster relief to help our citizens both as individuals, business, and as communities, rebuild their lives after the devastating, horrific impact of Hurricane Sandy. They have been waiting for three months for their federal government to step up and help them rebuild their lives and rebuild their livelihoods. They have been waiting and waiting. Governor Cuomo, Governor Christie, Governor O'Malley, have all said, 'Move it. We need help now.' Tonight's vote is a belated but much needed response to their demands."

Text of the bill is here.