Shelby Pulls Harbor Funding from Disaster Aid Bill, Deal Nearing Completion

May 21, 2019

Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said he pulled his controversial proposal for harbor maintenance funding from the stalled disaster aid bill after meeting with President Donald Trump Monday, CQ reported.
Senate and House lawmakers appeared to be on track Tuesday to pass a disaster relief package this week, which would include disaster recovery funds for Puerto Rico, humanitarian assistance for the southern border and disaster repair funding for several military installations.
If an agreement is reached by Tuesday evening, a bill could sent to the House as early as Wednesday, according CQ. The Senate would then follow Thursday.
Shelby said the president appeared to support the level of border funding in the disaster bill, and that the White House hoped the emergency legislation pass soon.
“We had a good meeting,” Shelby said of the meeting with Trump and other senior White House officials.
Shelby said it is crucial to reach an agreement on the disaster package in the next day in order to pass it before the Memorial Day recess. Democrats and Republicans are reviewing a new House GOP offer, according to aides on both sides of the aisle.
Army photo by Sgt. James McCann

May 21, 2019

Recent News

Final Appropriations Deadline Approaches

Final Appropriations Deadline Approaches

Friday is the deadline for Congress to pass the final six appropriations bills for the current fiscal year. The defense appropriations bill is part of the package. Punchbowl News reported this morning that negotiators have finished work on defense spending and other...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia expects to hire 3,000 skilled trade workers this year and a total of 19,000 over the next 10 years as the demand for nuclear-powered submarines increases, The Virginian-Pilot reported. “We are making intentional investments and...

Upcoming Webinars on EPA Community Change Grants

Upcoming Webinars on EPA Community Change Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a round of funding for “environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Lt. Col. Jonathan Vaage, 98th Flying Training Squadron director of operations, and Branden Sorensen, Air Force Recruiting Service-sponsored Formula Drift driver, prepare to land after tandem skydiving at the Air Force Academy, Colorado, March 13. Sorensen, who has...

PAST STORIES