ALBANY, N.Y. (November 29, 2012)--New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy are joining forces in a regional effort to land more federal aid for recovering from Superstorm Sandy, Cuomo’s office announced Thursday.

He says federal aid will have to be "flexible" so states can use it without too many restrictions.

Cuomo, a Democrat, is asking for $42 billion for repairs and preventive measures.

Christie, a Republican, is seeking $37 billion for recovery and rebuilding.

Malloy, a Democrat, says Connecticut's bill is $3.5 billion.

Cuomo says he's working closely with Rep. Peter King, a New York Republican, because getting aid approved by the GOP-led House may be "trickier" than in the Democrat-led Senate.