US Congress passes $7.9b Harvey disaster aid package

The House passes a $7.9 billion aid package following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. Republicans and Democrats are united behind help for victims of that storm even as an even more powerful new hurricane bears down on Florida.

The 419 to 3 vote sends the aid package — likely the first of several — to the Senate in hopes of sending the bill to US President Donald Trump before dwindling disaster reserves run out at the end of this week.

Texas Rep. John Culberson, whose Houston district was slammed by Harvey, promised that “help is on the way.”

Senate Republicans hope to add an increase to the government’s borrowing limit, but Democrats announced Wednesday that they only support a short-term increase.

Some New York Democrats reminded Texas Republicans of their votes opposing Superstorm Sandy aid five years ago.

— AP