WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for victims of Harvey — nearly doubling President Donald Trump’s emergency request and adding a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government’s ability to borrow money to cover its bills.
The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House for a vote Friday that would send it to the White House.
The measure would also fund government agencies through Dec. 8, taking the threat of an Oct. 1 government shutdown off the table.
The aid money comes as Harvey recovery efforts are draining federal disaster aid coffers — and as Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved late Wednesday to add $7.4 billion in money for rebuilding to Trump’s $7.9 billion Harvey request.
