National disaster aid relief bill is an ongoing disaster in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NEXSTAR) — The House is set to vote again later this week on a $17 billion-dollar disaster relief bill that continues to be a disaster all on its own.

The bill is stalled in Congress as lawmakers — and the President — fight about which states get the money.   

On Twitter, the President attacked Democrats’ plans to provide additional aid to Puerto Rico — to aid recovery from Hurricane Maria in 2017.  He says the Puerto Ricans have gotten enough money, and mainland farmers need help now. But Democrats say there is enough money for both.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the people of Puerto Rico need help that’s long overdue — the island is still recovering from Hurricane Maria two years later. Schumer said:

“You can’t pick and choose which Americans to help. But because the President has stubbornly and inexplicably opposed aid to Puerto Rico, a comprehensive disaster package has failed to get the necessary support.”

President Trump says farmers in the Midwest need help now. On Monday he tweeted that Puerto Rico has received $91 billion dollars in aid and should be “very happy” about it.

But Puerto Rico’s Governor says they’ve only seen a fraction of that amount.

The bill the House will vote on this week will send funds both to Puerto Rico and also address Midwest flooding — the House hopes to have a deal on the President’s desk before the end of the month.