May 24, 2019 - Science

$19.1 billion natural disaster aid package blocked by 1 vote

Orion Rummler

In this image, Chip Roy sits in a suit and listens in front of a microphone. — Rep. Chip Roy. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Rep. Chip Roy (R -Texas) voted on Friday to block a $19.1 billion aid package for areas affected by natural disasters over the last 2 years, the Washington Post reports.

Why it matters: This last-minute agreement, forged on Thursday night after months of tense negotiations, aims to provide about $900 million for Puerto Rico and reduce the risk of future floods and hurricanes in the U.S. Historic flooding and extreme weather have ransacked the Central U.S. over the past several months.

Where it stands: The House will not be back in session until June 3, and Roy has not confirmed whether he will object to the aid package again on Tuesday at the next "pro forma" session — where only a few lawmakers will be present.

His opposition further delays legislation to send aid to victims of Western wildfires, Midwestern flooding and hurricanes that hit the Southeast and Puerto Rico, along with other disaster-affected areas.
The move also puts Roy at variance with President Trump, who had announced his support of the deal on Thursday.

Go deeper: Senate passes last-minute $19.1 billion disaster relief package

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$19.1 billion natural disaster aid package blocked by 1 vote

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