McConnell Pushing For Disaster Aid Vote Before Holiday Weekend

House and Senate negotiators are still hoping to get a final disaster aid bill for Midwest flood and other storm victims, across the finish line by the Memorial Day recess.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell planned a vote in his chamber, with or without a deal with the House on a disaster aid package nearing some $20 billion dollars, including 3-billion for farm and other rural losses.

“The Senate will vote on disaster relief this week.  The members of this body will not return home for Memorial Day, without taking further action to help these struggling communities.”

McConnell said House and Senate negotiators continue to “zero in” on a final bicameral deal that would hasten final passage this week.

“It is past time to put partisan politics aside, move past any tangential questions, and secure a final agreement that can become law; that is, something can both, pass the Democratic House and earn the president’s signature, soon.”

House-Senate-White House differences on the amount of Puerto Rico hurricane aid were thought resolved, though differences over southern border humanitarian aid slowed a final deal.  The latest House-passed bill includes $ 3 billion more for flood and other storm losses of crops, dairy, and on-farm stored commodities, Army Corps flood mitigation, and grants to rebuild homes, businesses and public facilities.

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