U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker have seen through the final passage of the Menendez-authored Superstorm Sandy Relief and Disaster Loan Program Improvement Act.

The bill would extend, expand and improve access to federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives Monday night and awaits President Barack Obama’s signature.

Menendez said the bill enables Hurricane Sandy survivors to access low-interest, long-term loans to repair homes and businesses damaged by the storm.

“I’m proud to have passed yet another piece of legislation that will help New Jerseyans get back on their feet and move our state closer to a complete recovery from Sandy,” he said in a news release.

If signed into law, the bill would provide multiple forms of assistance. It would reopen Sandy Disaster Assistance Applications, allow the building of safe rooms through loans and make disaster plan improvements.

Menendez said that years after the storm, much work remains to be done for struggling families and businesses to fully recover.

Booker said the bill takes an important step to provide affected homeowners and small businesses access to capital to rebuild.

“As a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I understand New Jersey’s small businesses are an economic engine and vital to job growth in our state,” he said. “We must ensure their recovery remains a priority as we rebuild.”

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