WASHINGTON – The Senate Thursday overwhelmingly passed a Hurricane Harvey aid package brokered by President Trump and the Democratic leaders.
The Senate passed the measure 80-17 that would provide aid for victims of the deadly hurricane, extend the debt ceiling and fund the government for three months.
The legislation now heads back to the House for passage.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell brought the legislation to a vote at Trump’s request. GOP leaders were stunned Wednesday when Trump sided Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi and agreed to a shorter 3-month debt ceiling increase to be tied to Harvey aid.
Republicans were hoping initially for an 18-month increase to the debt ceiling.