US House approves Harvey aid, debt limit extension

By Ovunc Kutlu

NEW YORK

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will provide $15.25 billion in aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey and keep the government running until early December.

The measure passed 316-90. All those who opposed it were Republicans.

The bill provides a short-term extension for government funding and the federal borrowing limit until Dec. 8. Many Republicans, however, had sought a long-term extension for the debt ceiling.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill later Friday.

After passing the Senate on Thursday, the bill was quickly approved in the House with Hurricane Irma forecast to hit Florida this weekend.

Leaving the Caribbean devastated Wednesday, Irma was reportedly heading toward the U.S. mainland and could cause up to $125 billion in damage if it hits Florida, according to financial services company Credit Suisse.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott estimated that Hurricane Harvey, which hit the state last month, caused up to $180 billion in damage.