News

Lone Congressman, Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy, Blocks $19.1 Billion Aid Package For Disaster Victims

Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) blocked the passage of a $19.1 billion disaster aid package on Friday after House leaders attempted to pass it by unanimous consent. By objecting, Roy prevented the government from releasing billions of dollars of aid that would go to victims of wildfires, floods and hurricanes. With hurricane season starting on June 1, Roy’s own state, Texas, particularly stands to benefit from such disaster relief.

The bill, which has bipartisan support, including that of President Donald Trump, was previously held up in Congress by Trump’s reluctance to provide additional funding to Puerto Rico, and by the White House’s request for more border funding. After being persuaded by fellow Sen. David Perdue (R-Georgia), the president eventually relented on his request for increased money towards border control. With the support of the president, the bill easily passed through the Senate with a vote of 85-8.

SLIDESHOW: TOP DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2020

While House leaders bet on the bipartisan bill gliding through their chamber as well, Rep.  Roy broke from his party to object to the bill, requiring the House to hold a full roll call vote as opposed to passage by unanimous consent. As the House is currently on Memorial Day break, Roy’s move delayed the bill at least ten more days until the chamber reconvenes on June 3. Those ten days may have a huge impact on the lives of victims of natural disasters nationwide.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Roy stated that he blocked the passage of the bill because he disapproved of the usage of unanimous consent instead of forcing every member of the chamber to vote, even though the measure had wide bipartisan support. Furthermore, Roy claimed that he was against increasing the national deficit, worrying that the government was helping those harmed by natural disasters only to have the national debt come down on those same people years later. Additionally, the representative objected to the lack of funding for immigration agencies, saying that the crisis at the border constituted a national emergency as well.

Daniel Knopf

Share
Published by
Daniel Knopf

Recent Posts

Sen. John Fetterman Shouts & Bangs His Fists During ‘Chaotic’ Meeting With Teachers’ Union, Raising Further Concerns About His Mental Health

Concerns are rising for Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) following a chaotic meeting with Pennsylvania teachers'…

11 hours ago

House Republicans Struggle To Unite On Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Amid Battle Over Medicaid Cuts & SALT Deduction

With weeks remaining before their self-imposed Memorial Day deadline, House Republicans are growing more divided…

17 hours ago

Trump Calls Fed Chair Powell A ‘Fool’ After Interest Rates Hold Steady Due To Concerns About Tariffs

The Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to hold interest rates steady, at 4.25 percent to…

17 hours ago

Biden Stands By Decision To Delay Ending Campaign, Says It Wouldn’t Have ‘Mattered’ If He’d Dropped Out Sooner

Former U.S. President Joe Biden continues to defend his decision to drop out of the…

2 days ago

Sen. John Fetterman Denies Allegations Of ‘Reckless & Volatile Behavior’ By Staffers

Two years after Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) checked himself into a hospital to treat his…

2 days ago

VIDEO: Pro-Palestine Protesters Face Off With Public Safety Officers At Columbia University

https://youtu.be/-5rxJ1A4uHU Pro-Palestine protesters faced off with officers during a rally in a Columbia University library…

2 days ago