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Schumer Pleas With House Members To Pass Sandy Relief Bill

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Superstorm Sandy relief bill has passed the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said there is one more hurdle for the legislation.

As 1010 WINS's Gene Michaels reported, Schumer made a special plea to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

1010 WINS' Gene Michaels Reports

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"Put the bill on the floor before New Year's Day. We're confident it has the votes to pass, and once it passes the House, the president will sign it, and money will speedily come to the homeowners, the small businesses, the communities, the hospitals that so desperately need the help," Schumer said.

A first responder worked for hours trying to help others in the Rockaways. FDNY Battalion Chief Michael McGrath returned home to find lots of damage there, but insurance did not cover it.

McGrath received the maximum from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but, he said, "It's a drop in the bucket for the amount of money I need to redo this house."

McGrath said he and all the others who suffered damage from Sandy need Congress to vote.

On Friday evening, the Senate approved the $60.4 billion emergency aid package for victims of the hurricane that devastated parts of the Tri-State Area by a 63-32 vote.

The aid bill's chances of passing in the House is uncertain.

Do you hope the bill passes? Leave your comments below...

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