President Trump visits Panama City amid stalled disaster relief bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NEXSTAR) — President Donald Trump is in Panama City, Florida, almost seven months after Hurricane Michael tore through the panhandle. 

The community is still suffering and waiting for billions of dollars in federal aid.

The Florida panhandle is waiting for federal disaster aid, which is bottled up in Congress while lawmakers and the President fight about how much money to send to Puerto Rico, which is still in tatters after 2017’s Hurricane Maria.   

Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, blame the President for withholding disaster relief for Puerto Rico, saying:

“I promise that we could solve this impasse in a moment if Republicans here in the Senate agree to treat Puerto Rico fairly.”

But Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst says struggling farmers in the Midwest need help now. “No more political games here folks,” said Ernst. “We’ve got people back home that need this package.”

The $17 billion disaster relief package would provide money for areas recovering from disasters ranging from the California wildfires, to Puerto Rico’s 2017 Hurricane Maria, and this spring’s Midwest flooding.

Democrats say their message to the President is clear: more money for Puerto Rico or no funding at all.

The House is scheduled to vote on the bill this week.