The Senate on Thursday passed and sent to the House a $6.9 billion disaster relief package. The vote was 62 to 37. "I am gratified that the Senate approved the emergency disaster assistance," said Sen. Bernie Sanders. "I appreciate everything that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and others did to make sure the appropriation begins, in a serious way, to address the needs of Vermont and other states devastated by Hurricane Irene."

Sanders continued, "Now that the Senate has done its work, it is time for the Republicans in the House to recognize their responsibilities. Instead of tax breaks for millionaires and expanding military spending, I hope the House provides the emergency assistance that people in Vermont and other states need and deserve."

The measure includes $5.1 billion in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund. Of that, $500 million would be available immediately. The rest would go to other departments and agencies that have seen their coffers dwindle in a year when there have been more natural disasters than usual. The Department of Agriculture would receive $266 million for emergency programs.

The U.S. Senate late Thursday approved a bill to allocate additional federal disaster relief funds that are crucial for recovery in Vermont and other states in the aftermath of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 62 to 37.