WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a $60.4 billion emergency spending package for Hurricane Sandy recovery that was backed by Democrats.

The 61-33 vote Friday sends the measure to the House, where the bill faces uncertain prospects. House GOP leaders appear reluctant to move quickly on a big spending bill in the final days of a lame duck session that’s being dominated by talks to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.

Republican leaders favor a smaller aid package to pay for immediate Sandy recovery needs, saying they need more time to consider any additional aid.

Sandy battered the East Coast in late October. It was the most costly natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and one of the worst storms ever in the Northeast.