The House approved a $19.1 billion disaster aid bill, despite multiple efforts by Republicans to block it. The bill will provide approximately $1.4 billion in disaster relief funds for Puerto Rico, including $600 million in assistance for nutrition, farmers and rural communities as well as repairs for health care systems and federal facilities, passed by a 354-58 vote. The bill had previously passed through the Senate and will now be sent to President Donald Trump for approval.
“While it has taken far too long, this $19.1 billion bill includes a broad array of measures to help meet the urgent needs of disaster-stricken communities, from health care and nutritional assistance to social services and infrastructure repairs,” House appropriations committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., said.
The Senate voted 85-8, across party lines, to advance the bill last week.
