51��Ƶ

President Donald Trump Thursday signed a package that would deliver $19.1 billion in disaster relief to communities across the country that are still recovering from a spate of catastrophic hurricanes, wildfires and flooding. The House passed the bill on Monday after Republicans successfully thwarted three attempts to fast-track the package. The Senate passed the bill before the Memorial Day recess, removing Trump’s request for billions in emergency border aid in a last-minute scramble because it was holding up the deal. The legislation was delayed for months prior to that amid partisan infighting. (Emma, 6/6)

“Just signed Disaster Aid Bill to help Americans who have been hit by recent catastrophic storms,” Trump tweeted on Thursday along with a photo of him holding a signed document. “So important for our GREAT American farmers and ranchers.” He also contended that “Puerto Rico should love President Trump.” The president claimed the island “would have been shut out” without him. (Pramuk, 6/6)

[Sen. Chuck] Schumer replied to Trump's tweet, claiming that it was the president's fault the bill was held up. "This is a lie. Without your interference, Puerto Rico and these other disaster-impacted areas would have received disaster relief aid months ago," Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted. "Fortunately, Democrats remained resolute and got this done." (Morin, 6/6)