Raleigh, N.C. — Four North Carolina lawmakers were among the 67 U.S. House members who voted against a $9.7 billion aid package to help with recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

The four were Virginia Foxx, George Holding, Richard Hudson, and Mark Meadows, all Republicans. For Holding, of Raleigh, Hudson and Meadows, it was the first vote on an issue of substance for their Congressional careers. 

Asked about his vote, Holding e-mailed the following statement:

“My heart breaks for the people whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. In North Carolina, we know all too well the destruction these storms can cause and that the federal government has a necessary and important role in responding to natural disasters.

"Unfortunately, today’s vote had little to do with Sandy and lots to do with a Washington that ignores the long-term and only responds to crisis. The legislation increased the borrowing authority for the National Flood Insurance Program—a 43% increase for a program already $20 billion in debt. Much of that increase wouldn’t be paid out for years and even then would service claims that had nothing to do with Hurricane Sandy. It would serve only to put the solvency of the program in jeopardy.

"We need to do the right thing for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, but at some point Washington needs to learn to stop robbing tomorrow to pay for today. Disaster assistance is too important to be used as a cover for more pork spending. As this Congress continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues during to reform and strengthen the National Flood Insurance Program.”