09/06/2017

Senate to Combine Debt-ceiling Increase, Harvey Relief

The move comes despite an expected backlash from groups like the Freedom Caucus

Senate leaders are prepared to vote this week on legislation that would pair an increase in the federal government’s borrowing limit with $7.9 billion in disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey despite opposition from conservatives.

The decision to combine the two unrelated measures is a potentially risky strategy that could further alienate conservatives who have insisted that any debt-limit increase be paired with corresponding spending cuts. Leaders hope that those on the far right will abandon their demands to immediately replenish rapidly diminishing funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), whose home state is still reeling from Harvey’s impact, endorsed the strategy Tuesday and vowed to move quickly to pass the debt-and-disaster package. And House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in the Capitol late Tuesday that the House will also take up the measure if it passes the Senate.

Please click here to read the article from The Washington Post.