Senate Republicans from North Carolina and South Carolina are adamant about the inclusion of disaster relief in any spending deal before they depart for recess. They have even threatened to filibuster if relief is excluded from the package.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina emphasized that President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for incorporating disaster aid in the package. Tillis stressed the urgency of providing relief to states affected by recent storms, highlighting the potential government shutdown looming in Washington while affected areas remain in dire need of assistance.
Tillis is contemplating blocking a vote on a funding bill if it does not allocate funds for disaster relief, vowing to advocate for the cause on the Senate floor alongside his colleagues.
Furthermore, Tillis concurred with Trump's criticism of the initial spending deal, agreeing that it was excessively inflated. He even expressed support for eliminating the debt limit entirely, aligning with the President's stance on the matter.
Similarly, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina echoed Tillis' sentiments, emphasizing that disaster relief is a non-negotiable requirement for his backing.
When questioned about the potential impact of Trump's opposition to the initial package and his call for addressing the debt ceiling, Tillis and Graham maintained that they shared Trump's view on the bloated nature of the initial deal. Tillis reiterated his agreement with Trump on the need to address the debt limit issue decisively.
In conclusion, Senate Republicans are resolute in their demand for disaster relief to be included in the spending deal, underscoring the critical importance of providing aid to storm-affected regions without delay.
