(Bloomberg) – The U.S. House will most likely vote on the first phase of emergency relief money for Hurricane Harvey in mid-September after returning from summer recess, a Republican aide said Thursday.
The initial down payment would replenish Federal Emergency Management Agency funds used in the immediate aftermath of the massive storm that flooded parts of Houston with more than 50 inches of rain, said the aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. The House and Senate are set to return to Washington Sept. 5.
"I've got every confidence that Congress will deal with this in a timely way," Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a former Texas governor, told reporters aboard Air Force Two en route to Corpus Christi on Thursday. He said he had "no idea" how much money will be needed.
|Housing biggest long-term concern
Vice President Mike Pence told reporters on the plane that housing is the biggest long-term concern in the hurricane zone, following search-and-rescue operations and moving people out of shelters. More than 2,000 manufactured FEMA homes are being sent to the area and another 4,000 have been ordered, he said.
The House Republican aide said appropriators might need more than the first week back in Washington to get a bill ready for a floor vote. A fuller aid plan focused on rebuilding the affected parts of Texas and Louisiana would come later in September once there's a more complete assessment of the damage, the aide said.
In the Senate, where Republican leaders plan to start debate on an annual defense bill after returning from the monthlong recess, there has been no indication of a change in plans.
|'Take some time' to decide what's needed
Texas's two senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, both said this week that they'll work with the Texas House delegation on a relief measure. Cruz told reporters in Houston Wednesday it will "take some time" to decide what's needed.
"I spent yesterday with the president in Corpus Christi and Austin and the president was unequivocal in his commitment that the administration would be there for Texas," Cruz told reporters at Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center, which is being used as a shelter for storm victims. He added he anticipates "providing the aid that Texans need."
Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican leader, also told reporters he'd spoken to President Donald Trump about taking action soon.
|Targeted disaster relief
"This is not just money that's doled out for any purpose,'' Cornyn said in a statement. "This has to be targeted for disaster relief and recovery from Hurricane Harvey."
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