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In past votes, SC delegation opposed flood aid

Florence, S.C. residents Jackie Lee, right, and Robin Powers launch a boat before surveying the flooding to Lee's property on Roundtree Road along the Lynches River near Effingham, S.C., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, where houses and cars are swamped with floodwater following record rainfall in the state. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) Florence, S.C. residents Jackie Lee, right, and Robin Powers launch a boat before surveying the flooding to Lee's property on Roundtree Road along the Lynches River near Effingham, S.C., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, where houses and cars are swamped with floodwater following record rainfall in the state. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

By Associated Press October 6, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – South Carolina’s congressional delegation is vowing to make sure the state gets federal help to recover from the historic flooding from massive rains.

But less than three years ago, the Republican-dominated, conservative delegation opposed a $51 billion relief bill to help mid-Atlantic states like New York and New Jersey rebuild in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, which dealt that region a devastating blow.

Five Republicans in the South Carolina House delegation voted against Sandy aid. So did GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.

In fact, just 49 of 232 House Republicans voted to provide the Sandy storm aid.

There is almost $6 billion in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund for immediate needs. More money is likely to be required.