President Trump on Friday was poised to sign legislation authorizing storm relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey — giving him his first big legislative win…
President Trump on Friday was poised to sign legislation authorizing storm relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey — giving him his first big legislative win since taking office.
The House overwhelmingly passed the bill — which also raises the debt ceiling and funds the federal government for the next three months — earlier in the day The White House praised Congress for acting so fast on a deal the president cut just this week with top Democratic lawmakers Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi over the objections of his own staff and GOP leaders.
“It gives Americans the certainty they deserve, and we look forward to finding a permanent solution in the months to come, ” the administration said in a statement.
Conservatives who didn’ t want the emergency aid linked to a temporary increase in America’s borrowing authority objected, with many voting against the measure, which passed easily by a 316 to 90 margin, with all the nays coming from GOP reps.
It’s only the first installment of a federal aid package that could rival or exceed the $100 billion-plus provided after Hurricane Katrina. Future installments are likely to be more difficult to pass.
