Cuomo Joins in Public Outrage Over Congress Not Voting on Sandy Relief Bill (VIDEO)

Governor Andrew Cuomo lashed out against Republican congressional leaders Wednesday, saying their failure to vote on the $60 billion aid bill for victims of Hurricane Sandy was inexcusable on all levels, and not what government is all about.

"I believe it was a dereliction of duty; I believe that government matters and the functioning of government matters, and to leave New York and New Jersey and thousands of people in this holiday season on their own and abandoned was wrong and disgraceful in a lot of ways," Cuomo said. "I think it was unprecedented if you look at the way this nation has responded in the past. We've acted intelligently and been there to help regions that were hit by a disaster. Why? Because it helps all of us."

Cuomo commended the entire New York congressional delegation for their non-partisan fight to get the aid bill passed in the House after being approved by the Senate. House leaders say they will vote on the bill sometime this month.

After public outrage and comments from lawmakers in New York and New Jersey, including NJ Governor Chris Christie claiming "that is why people hate Washington, D.C.", the U.S. Congress agreed to hold a vote on $9 million in Hurricane Sandy relief on Friday. A second vote will be held on Jan. 15 for the remaining $51 million.