WASHINGTON (AP) - Superstorm Sandy aid could be coming soon to affected states after House Speaker John Boehner reversed himself and scheduled a pair of votes early in the new Congress.

Lawmakers from the affected states exploded in anger when a vote they say they were promised was scrapped after the House approved the fiscal cliff deal. Even some Republican lawmakers accused Boehner of a betrayal.

Among Boehner's harshest critics was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who accused House Republicans of focusing on "internal politics" and "palace intrigue" instead of voting on the bill.

it is no secret that Christie has higher aspirations, and has cast himself as a tough-talking chief executive.

There has been little love lost of late between Christie and Republicans. Christie was criticized after praising President Barack Obama for his handling of the Sandy recovery just days before the election.

Under pressure, Boehner scheduled one vote for Friday, and another, on more aid for next week. Because the new Congress is doing the voting, the aid measures will go back to the Senate where they are expected to get approval.

Sandy killed at least 120 people. It was the most costly natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and one of the worst storms ever in the Northeast.

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