Following up on a piece from this morning, the House Republican leadership's decision not to hold a vote on Hurricane Sandy relief aid continues to draw widespread condemnations, and this afternoon, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) didn't hold back.
For those who can't watch clips online, Christie said, among other things, "There's only one group to blame for the continued suffering of these innocent victims: the House majority, and their Speaker, John Boehner." The governor added that House Republicans acted with "callous indifference" to the people of New Jersey, and called Congress' inaction "disgraceful."
Christie also noted that he called the Speaker's office four times last night, and in each instance, he was unable to speak to Boehner directly. As for why House Republicans failed to act, the governor blamed the "toxic internal politics of the House majority."
It's worth noting, of course, that Christie is hardly alone. President Obama issued a statement calling for immediate House action: "When tragedy strikes, Americans come together to support those in need. I urge Republicans in the House of Representatives to do the same, bring this important request to a vote today, and pass it without delay for our fellow Americans."
Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), meanwhile, said on Fox News, "[A]nyone from New York and New Jersey who contributes one penny to congressional Republicans is out of their mind because what they did last night to put a knife in the back of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans was an absolute disgrace."
Pretty much every politician in New York and New Jersey are making similar comments today.
For his part, Boehner has said he's willing to push an aid package for Sandy victims in the new Congress, though the legislative process will have to start from scratch.