Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement applauding Congress’ action Friday, while urging both houses to promptly take up the rest of the Superstorm Sandy aid relief.

The statement comes after members of the U.S. House of Representatives OK'd a $9.7 billion package to recharge FEMA flood insurance funds. The vote in the new Congress comes after House GOP leadership pulled the plug on a vote on a $60.4 billion aid package earlier this week.  

“Today's action by the House was a necessary and critical first step towards delivering aid to the people of New Jersey and New York,” the Republican and Democratic governors said in a statement.

“While we are pleased with this progress, today was just a down payment and it is now time to go even further and pass the final and more complete, clean disaster aid bill,” it reads. “We are trusting Congress to act accordingly on January 15th and pass the final $51 billion instrumental for long-term rebuilding in order for New Jersey, New York and our people to recover after the severe devastation of Hurricane Sandy.”

Shortly after the statement was released, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver echoed the governors’ comments.

“This vote is at least a step forward, but far from what’s needed to rebuild New Jersey and help the residents and business owners who are suffering. I will not be satisfied until the House approves the full $60 billion relief package. That’s what New Jersey deserves."