(WHAM-TV) - Republican leaders in the House decided to end the session without allowing a vote on a disaster relief package for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
That package would have provided $60 billion to states most affected by Sandy, including New York and New Jersey.
Both Democrats and Republicans from those states bashed the Republican leadership for the move, saying it threatens to leave families without help as they try to rebuild.
Some of the most fiery criticism comes from Republicans who said their own party leadership abandoned their states in a time of crisis.
"This is a dire crisis,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R) of New Jersey. “People are hurting. I talk to people in my district, and they're looking to us to help, and they need timely help. Mr. Speaker, please reconsider."
A spokesman for Speaker John Boehner said that House Republican leaders are committed to addressing the Sandy relief bill later this month after the next session starts.
However, members of Congress say there is now uncertainty over when federal help will come to New York and New Jersey.
