With lawmakers worried about another hurricane, the U.S. House on Friday morning sent President Donald Trump a $15.25 billion aid package to deal with damage from Hurricane Harvey, and to bolster federal emergency resources that may be needed in the days ahead for Florida and other states that could be hit this weekend by Hurricane Irma.
"We're here today to tell those folks in Florida, those folks in Texas, that this Congress has your back," said Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX), who described the devastation in his district, which includes the city of Corpus Christi.
"Please vote for this bill," said Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), who represents a district along the Gulf Coast near the border between Texas and Louisiana.
"It is time for us to step up, it is time for us to set politics aside," said Weber.
The vote was 316-90. All 90 votes against the plan came from Republicans - even some from Texas - angered by the addition of a temporary increase in the nation's debt limit, and a plan to fund the government into early December.
"But most concerning to me, and the reason I am voting against this bill, is that it forces our military to operate under a stopgap continuing resolution -- once again," said Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX).
Credit: Jamie Dupree
Credit: Jamie Dupree
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