Prez, Dems deal on debt & Harvey aid

PRESIDENT TRUMP struck a rare deal with the Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government in exchange for $8 billion in Harvey aid, congressional leaders said Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said the deal will let the government borrow and pay its bills through Dec. 15.

The agreement avoids what could have been a national catastrophe as Congress juggles a packed legislative agenda this fall.

The U.S. would have defaulted on its debt had the ceiling not been raised, an unprecedented event that would’ve tarnished the nation’s credit rating.

“Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on many issues before us,” Schumer and Pelosi said in a joint statement.

Trump met with congressional leadership earlier Wednesday to discuss the issues along with other legislative matters.

“We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good,” Trump told reporters as he boarded Air Force One for a speech in North Dakota.