US Senate approves $15bn hurricane relief package, raises debt ceiling
The US Senate has passed a $15.25 billion relief package for Hurricane Harvey and Irma. The bill, passed by an 80-17 vote, also raises America's debt ceiling, opening up funding for the government for the next three months. If the bill is passed by House of Representatives and signed by President Donald Trump, a potential US government shut down will be averted.
Trump struck a deal with Democrats, Republicans disagree
The package comes after Trump struck a deal with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, both Democrats. The move went against the wishes of Trump's own Republican Party leaders, who wanted a longer-term debt limit increase.
Crucial package comes as US hurricane relief coffers get drained
The package comes as federal disaster aid coffers get drained by Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts, and as the category-five Hurricane Irma moves closer to Florida. After the deal was struck between Trump and the Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican) amended a bill passed by the House earlier. He added another $7.4 billion for hurricane aid funding over Trump's $7.9 billion Harvey request.
The impact of Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding after lashing Texas and Louisiana late last month. The hurricane, the most powerful to hit Texas in 50-years, destroyed thousands of homes, forcing at least 43,000 people to live in shelters. Texas may need $125 billion in aid.
Republicans fume over debt ceiling-hurricane relief package
House Speaker Paul Ryan (Republican) called the decision to lump hurricane relief with a larger government spending bill as "ridiculous." Senator Ted Cruz (Republican) also called the Trump-Democrats deal "unfortunate" but ended up voting in favor of it. Senator Ben Sasse (Republican) called it Schumer's "art of the steal." Other Republicans have called for spending cuts alongside a debt ceiling increase.
