SENATE PASSES HURRICANE AID, FEDERAL FUNDING

The Senate passed a $15.25 billion hurricane relief package Thursday that would also increase the nation’s debt limit and fund the government for the next three months.

The bill passed 80-17 and must pass the House before it heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

The package is the result of a deal Trump struck with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, DCalif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., against the wishes of Republican leaders, who pushed for a longerterm increase of the debt limit.

The measure would provide emergency funding to respond to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, a Category 5 storm likely to hit Florida.