CNN: House GOP to Introduce $81B Disaster Aid Package

House Republicans plan to introduce an $81 billion disaster aid package on Monday, covering not only the hurricanes that struck Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this year, but also the current wildfires destroying homes and businesses in California, CNN reported.

The figure almost doubles the $44 billion requested by the White House and could be attached to a stopgap funding bill to help gain passage and prevent a government shutdown, Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas, told CNN.

Republicans hope the large number of representatives from hurricane-ravaged Texas and Florida from both parties would throw their support behind the bills.

Conservative Republicans have been less willing to support a short-term bill. And the party also hopes to lure more Democrats and avoid a year-end shutdown of the government.

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