Congress finally reaches disaster aid deal, in $19.1B accord – Washington Examiner

Republicans, Democrats, and President Trump have reached an accord on disaster relief after eight months of partisan infighting.

The Senate Thursday afternoon will vote on a $19.1 billion package that is “similar” to legislation the Democrat-led House passed last week.

The measure will provide money for states and Puerto Rico for hurricanes dating back to 2017 as well as wildfires, tornadoes, and recent Midwest flooding.

The measure excludes Trump’s request for $4.5 billion in emergency funding to help deal with the recent surge in illegal immigration along the southern border. Removing the border funding eased the agreement. Democrats were opposed to its inclusion.

[Related: Steve Scalise: Trump’s infrastructure impasse with Democrats won’t stop disaster aid, trade talks]

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., told reporters House Democrats, who control the majority across the Capitol, have agreed to the deal. It will include billions in aid to repair infrastructure for storm-ravaged communities. Trump has also agreed to the deal despite not getting the border money. Republicans said they’ll attempt to move that funding separately.

The House has adjourned until June and it is not clear whether House Democrats will attempt to clear the bill in a pro-forma session by unanimous consent, or whether they will wait until they return the week of June 3.

The House may voice-vote the bill as soon as tomorrow, clearing it for Trump’s signature. “Assuming it is something we can support we would try to UC tomorrow,” a Democratic leadership aide told the Washington Examiner.