White House To Submit $44 Billion Disaster Relief Request

 The White House is requesting $44 billion in disaster relief funds Friday that will fall short of demands from hurricane-slammed Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

The request would bring the total appropriated for hurricane relief this fall close to $100 billion.

The new installment would add $24 billion to the government’s chief disaster account and establish a new $12 billion grant program for flood risk mitigation projects.

But Friday’s measure won’t contain much money for Puerto Rico, as the administration awaits estimates. Gov. Ricardo Rossello has requested $94 billion, including $18 billion to rebuild the island’s power grid and $31 billion for housing. The White House anticipates sending another request focused on the needs of the island territory but hasn’t indicated when that would be.

Texas and Florida are also sure to be disappointed. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott submitted a $61 billion request to Trump last month for Harvey-related damages, including ambitious requests for flood control and navigation projects. 

The Florida congressional delegation has asked for $27 billion.


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