Trump signs $36.5 billion emergency aid bill for disasters
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a $36.5 billion emergency aid measure on Thursday to refill disaster accounts, provide a cash infusion to Puerto Rico and bail out the federal flood insurance program.
The president signed the bill after the Senate sent him the measure earlier this week to help Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico after a devastating string of hurricanes. The funding will also bolster Western states dealing with massive wildfires.
To date, Congress has approved more than $50 billion in disaster aid this fall but more money will be needed. The states and Puerto Rico continue to assess the damage from an onslaught of damaging storms.
The measure provides $18.7 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s accounts, and $16 billion to allow the flood insurance program to keep paying claims.