Harry Reid says he misspoke when he said Superstorm Sandy damage was worse than Hurricane Katrina

Reid said damage caused by Katrina in 2005 was 'nothing in comparison' to what happened to the people of New England.

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Clik here to view. View full size Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. walks out of the House Chamber on Capitol Hill Friday in Washington following the counting of Electoral College votes. AP Photo | SUSAN WALSH  

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he misspoke when he said on the Senate floor that damage from Superstorm Sandy was worse than that inflicted by Hurricane Katrina.

In a short statement released by his office, the Nevada Democrat says he “simply misspoke” in comments Friday criticizing House Republicans for delaying legislative action to provide financial relief to areas of New England hit by Sandy in October.

Reid said damage caused by Katrina in 2005 was “nothing in comparison” to what happened to the people of New England.

That comment drew a sharp response from Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter, who said Reid’s comments gravely insulted the people of the Gulf Coast. He said Reid had, quoting, “again revealed himself to be an idiot.”