They don’t even pretend to do anything useful anymore

The Republicans exist only to destroy and obstruct:

Many of the small businesses battered by Hurricane Sandy are still waiting for U.S. government assistance, raising concerns among some about Midwest businesses hit by devastating tornadoes.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved loans to one out of every four business owners who applied for assistance after Sandy hammered the East Coast in October, according to analysis of data the agency submitted to Congress.

In addition to the low approval rate, which included employers who submitted but eventually withdrew their applications, the agency has been slower to process applications and disburse funds than in the aftermath of hurricanes Ike in 2008 and Irene in 2011. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) noted the comparison in a letter sent to the U.S. Government Accountability Office asking for further examination of the disaster loan program.

“After natural disasters, local economies are often decimated and it is vital that the small business sector be revitalized quickly,” Velázquez said in a statement. “For a business struggling after a hurricane, getting an immediate infusion of emergency capital can make the difference between staying in business or going under.”

Disaster recovery funding became an issue this year when Congress approved a deal to avoid the “fiscal cliff” without approving an aid package for states hit hard by Sandy. Facing backlash from governors in the Northeast, lawmakers passed the $50 billion package a few weeks later.