President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill that releases $9.7 billion for a flood insurance program for Hurricane Sandy victims.

The White House said more than 100,000 claim payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency would have been delayed without it.

Congress passed the measure Friday after a controversial delay.

Lawmakers will now have to address a much larger Sandy Aid bill worth $51 billion.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill on January 15, and the Senate vote will come a week later.