$19 Billion Disaster Aid Bill Delayed Until After Congress's Recess
Should the House come back early to pass the bill?
An attempt by the House to pass a $19.1 billion disaster relief bill by unanimous consent and send it to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law was blocked on Friday, delaying its enactment for more than a week.
Most House lawmakers left the Capitol on Thursday to begin their Memorial Day recess after Democratic leadership indicated that no more votes would be held following the passage of a bipartisan retirement bill, as negotiations over disaster relief were ongoing.
Then a bipartisan deal was struck and the Senate passed the disaster relief bill on an 85-8 vote Thursday afternoon. That put the House in the position of needing to pass the bill without a recorded vote ― which would’ve required the Rules Committee to return to pass a special rule expediting the bill and enough members being present to ensure its passage.
With a skeleton crew manning the House during today’s pro forma session, Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) made the unanimous consent request which Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) objected to, explaining:
“I’m here today primarily because if I do not object, Congress will have passed into law a bill that spends $19 billion of taxpayer money without members of Congress being present here in our nation’s Capitol to vote on it.”
Roy added that the bill should’ve included the Trump administration’s request for $4.4 billion to address the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border as Homeland Security’s immigration agencies face the prospect of running out of funds before the end of the fiscal year. He also expressed concern that its spending isn't offset, saying “This is a $19 billion bill that is not paid for when we are racking up $100 million of debt per hour.”
The disaster aid bill will likely be considered the week of June 3rd when members of Congress return from the Memorial Day recess.
— Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: iStock.com / narvikk)
The Latest
-
SCOTUS Hears Arguments of Abortion Pill Mifepristone CaseUpdated March 27, 2024, 12:30 p.m. EST On Tuesday, March 26, the Supreme Court heard arguments about the mifepristone case, read more... Women's Health
-
IT: ⛑️ It's American Red Cross Giving Day, and... How will you give back today?Welcome to Wednesday, March 27th, philanthropists and entrepreneurs... It's American Red Cross Giving Day - a time to ensure the read more...
-
Moscow Concert Hall, Russia’s Deadliest Attack in DecadesOn Friday, March 22, at least four men fired automatic weapons into a sold-out show at the Crocus City Hall auditorium in read more... Public Safety
-
Discover Gravvy — A New Way to Support What Matters MostDiscover Gravvy — A New Way to Support What Matters Most Are you ready to optimize your giving? read more...