Money trail for Sandy begins as Congress approves $51 billion in disaster aid

On Monday Congress approved $51 billion in disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Sandy, three months after the storm that killed more than 130 people and caused billions in damage to the Atlantic coast.

Follow the money with IRE's coverage page, Hurricane Sandy: Covering the Aftermath

The spending was heavily debated and at a time sparked bipartisan anger over the inability of Congress to provide timely relief. In addition to a reluctance to add to federal debt, concerns about the bill from House Republicans centered on trying to make sure the money was actually being spent on emergency needs for Sandy victims.

Where will the $51 billion go? IRE resources can help you follow the money in your area and find out if it's being spent where it should -- or shouldn't. In the days following the storm, IRE compiled this resource page for enterprise coverage following disasters. Listen to veteran journalists explain how they followed the money and uncovered fraud in disaster spending, read sample FOIA requests for FEMA spending or leaf through dozens of tipsheets on how to follow the money and investigate disasters.