House approves Harvey aid as debt wrangling begins
By Niv Elis - 09/06/17 12:31 PM EDT
The House on Wednesday approved $7.85 billion in Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, setting up a controversial legislative maneuver in which the bill is expected to be paired in the Senate with legislation raising the debt ceiling.
The Harvey aid was easily cleared in an overwhelming 419-3 vote, but the margin could be closer if lawmakers are asked to vote again for a package that combines Harvey aid with the debt ceiling bill. All three no votes came from Republican lawmakers.
The package would set up a tough vote for many House Republicans, who want to back relief for Harvey but do not want to vote on legislation that raises the debt ceiling, but does nothing to restrict future government spending.
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http://thehill.com/policy/finance/349438-house-approves-harvey-aid-as-debt-wrangling-begins
