An Alaska senator wants $15 million for tsunami debris clean-up included in a federal disaster relief package for West Coast states affected by Superstorm Sandy.

That’s according to this story from Associated Press. Excerpts:

Sen. Mark Begich says the impact of debris from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan reaching U.S. shores is every bit the natural disaster as a hurricane — it’s just unfolding in slow motion.

He says it’s embarrassing that the government of Japan has put more funding toward the cleanup than the U.S. government has. …

Japan has pledged $5 million for tsunami debris cleanup, more than the entire National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget for dealing with marine debris in general in fiscal year 2012. Begich said he considers a three-to-one match of the Japanese funding “the very least” the federal government can do to help cleanup efforts in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon and Washington.

It’s not clear just how quickly Congress will take up the aid package, or how big it might be. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said he hasn’t taken a position yet on how much money may be needed for debris cleanup. “There are significant discussions yet to be had but I agree that there is a need for funds to help mitigate the effects of tsunami debris impacting our shores,” he said in a statement.