Just as Gov. Andrew Cuomo was wrapping up his Q-and-A with reporters by railing against New York Republicans, calling out state GOP Chairman Ed Cox and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for failing to join Rep. Pete King in decrying the House leadership’s failure to bring the Sandy disaster aid bill to the floor, the following statement from Skelos arrived in my in-box:

The failure of Congress to act on the federal assistance legislation to help the millions of people impacted by Hurricane Sandy is absolutely unconscionable.”

“People in my district and throughout the region continue to struggle to put their lives back together. Business owners are working to get back on their feet and everyone is trying to restore a sense of normalcy.”

“By walking away from the aid bill, the House leadership has turned their backs on New Yorkers in their time of need. Without action to provide federal aid, rebuilding homes and businesses and repairing vital infrastructure becomes even more of an uphill battle.”

“I urge the House to immediately take up the Hurricane Sandy aid legislation passed by the U.S. Senate so this critical assistance can get to the people who so desperately need it.”

Remember: Skelos’s district is in Nassau County, which was hit hard by Sandy.

King, who is also a Long Islander, said earlier today that the delayed Sandy vote is an “absolute disgrace.” He called on political donors in New York and New Jersey to cease contributing to congressional Republicans, saying anyone doing so would be “out of their minds.”

UPDATE: The Senate GOP press office says Skelos’ statement actually went out before Cuomo wondered aloud where the majority leader is on this issue. It takes a while for these blast emails to move through their pre-programmed lists, I guess.

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