Senate approves initial aid to Harvey victims after Trump's deal with Democrats
The Senate has approved the first wave of disaster aid – a $15.3bn relief package – to the region devastated by Hurricane Harvey as part of surprise deal struck between Donald Trump and Democratic leadership.
The bill to help recovery in Texas – and particularly the area around Houston – would also temporarily raise the US federal borrowing limit and keep the government running for the next three more months.
The agreement, passed by 80 votes to 17, defuses the immediate threat of a government shutdown but Congress now faces an 8 December deadline to strike another agreement avoid a potential fiscal cliff.
The aid package, nearly double Trump’s initial request, now goes to the House of Representatives, where a group of more than 150 conservative Republicans have announced their opposition to the plan.
A vote is expected Friday.
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