Democrats on Capitol Hill say President Barack Obama is preparing to ask Congress for about $50 billion in additional emergency aid for states hit by Superstorm Sandy.

Two Senate Democratic officials offered up that figure Wednesday, saying the final number is still being worked out. The price tag could be anywhere between $45 billion and $50 billion. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the administration’s continuing work in preparing the emergency aid request.

Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee there is no final number yet.

The late October storm was one of the worst ever to strike the Northeast. So far, the government has distributed about $2 billion in aid to 11 states. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are seeking another $83 billion.

(AP)