By Kim Glovas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBS) — US Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) says it is a relief to have the first portion of the aid for Hurricane Sandy victims pass.

After a rocky week (or perhaps a rocky year), the US House voted today to approve $9.7 billion to pay flood insurance claims for home and business owners flooded out by Superstorm Sandy (see related story).

Congressman LoBiondo, who represents Atlantic and Cape May counties, says it’s still going to be a long road to get the state back in shape, and homeowners and businesses back on solid ground.

“We have a 40-billion-dollar tourism industry, and we’re already behind the eight-ball to have the Army Corps (of Engineers) do the work that’s necessary to get the Jersey shore in shape so that vacationers will want to visit,” he told KYW Newsradio today.  “And it’s such a boost to our economy.”

LoBiondo says he’s angry with his colleagues in other states affected by natural disasters (such as Katrina) who voted against the package.  He says they didn’t want to hear there was no sense of urgency when their states were ravaged by hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, and he doesn’t want to hear that there is no sense of urgency for victims of Sandy.