Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the Senate will vote on disaster relief next week, right before lawmakers leave for Memorial Day. He’s hopeful the Senate will vote on legislation the president is willing to sign. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says time is of the essence, so she is glad the Senate is on the verge of a deal and the leader is moving forward.
She says the House passed a partisan bill, but the Senate version will be different.
Ernst says many farmers and communities are still dealing with the impact of flooding in the Midwest and need assistance.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s not sure why the disaster bill has gotten to be so political, especially the funding component.
Negotiators says the biggest points of contention yet to work through are nearly settled. Both sides have agreed to provide Puerto Rico with hundreds of millions in additional aid, an important point that Democrats asked for.
