Disaster Relief Fails to Pass House of Representatives for Third Time

Washington DC - For a third time in a week, the House of Representatives failed to pass a $19.1 billion disaster aid bill to benefit disaster troubled US States and Territories. Because Congress is on recess, votes in the House of Representatives require "unanimous consent" and any Member of Congress can block a vote. On Thursday, Tennessee Rep. John Rose (R) blocked the disaster package.

"Americans are struggling to recover and are waiting for this disaster assistance," said Eric LeCompte the Executive Director of Jubilee USA, a religious development organization. "We have agreement for disaster assistance from the Senate and the White House. Now the House needs to pass disaster relief."

The Senate passed the disaster package last week. President Trump committed to sign the package into law after it passes the House. After recess, the full House of Representatives is expected to pass the aid package.

"We are waiting on the House of Representatives to move forward critically needed aid for US citizens that live from California to Puerto Rico," said LeCompte.

The disaster bill includes over $900 million in funds for Puerto Rico and expedites the release of $8.9 billion already approved for Puerto Rico disaster relief.