And potentially billions for Hurricane Harvey relief in an additional bill could complicate negotiations. In addition, Congress must also agree to increase the federal debt ceiling or default on its financial obligation. The Sandy request was in essence a 13th spending bill, sometimes called a supplemental appropriations bill, which almost certainly would drive up the deficit. No one knows if there will be federal need to cough up a supplemental spending bill to help Texas recover. And three Texas Republicans lead House Appropriations subcommittees, which control the federal purse strings.

Source: Fox News August 26, 2017 14:48 UTC