House Delays Disaster Package for Puerto Rico, US States and Territories

Washington DC - The House of Representatives delayed a vote on a $19.1 billion disaster bill that would aid Americans in a number of US States and Territories. After the disaster supplemental passed the Senate on Thursday, the House attempted a voice vote which requires "unanimous consent." Texas Representative Chip Roy blocked the vote.

"The House of Representatives must follow the Senate and pass disaster relief for millions of suffering Americans," said Eric LeCompte the Executive Director of Jubilee USA, a religious development organization. "More than a million Americans in Puerto Rico lost disaster food assistance in March and they are still waiting for that aid to be restored."

The full House will vote on the disaster package in June, when Members of Congress return from recess. The legislation, expected to be signed into law by the White House, includes nearly $1 billion in recovery funds for Puerto Rico and expedites the release of $8.9 billion already approved for Puerto Rico disaster relief.