(AP Photo/The Connecticut Post, Autumn Driscoll)

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional aides say President Barack Obama is asking Congress to approve $60.4 billion in federal aid for New York, New Jersey and other states hit by Super Storm Sandy last month.

The formal paperwork is expected to be sent to Congress later today or early next week.

The aides requested anonymity, saying they were not authorized to disclose the request. Congressman Pete King, a New York Republican, said he expected the request to come in at the level described by aides, but hadn’t received official word. He said he is pleased with the total.

He also said he spoke recently with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and described him as pleased, as well.