WASHINGTON _ House and Senate leaders have reached agreement on a $19.1 billion supplemental spending bill to respond to recent hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters, after agreeing to drop funding sought by the White House to address a surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Senate is expected to take up the package Thursday afternoon, according to Appropriations Chairman Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala. The House is expected to pass it by unanimous consent before the end of the week.
President Donald Trump told GOP senators he would sign the package, Shelby said, despite the agreement to drop border-related money his administration requested.
The disaster aid legislation includes about $600 million in nutrition assistance and $300 million in Community Development Block Grants to Puerto Rico. It no longer includes a provision requiring Puerto Rico to spend 75% of the previously approved CDBG funding before accessing the new money.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, confirmed to reporters a disaster aid deal had been reached, but didn't provide details.
"It's not for me to give the details," she said after leaving a GOP lunch. "I'm looking forward to supporting it."
