President Donald Trump says he's agreed to a "very good" deal to fund the government and increase the nation's borrowing limit for three months as part of an agreement to rush disaster aid to victims of storm Harvey.
Trump told reporters traveling with him aboard Air Force One that "we essentially came to a deal and I think the deal will be very good."
The moves buys almost three months for Washington to try to solve myriad issues, including more funding for defense, immigration, health care, and a longer-term increase in the government's borrowing authority.
Trump met earlier at the White House with top House and Senate leaders of both political parties.
Earlier, the House has passed a $7.9 billion Harvey aid package. Republicans and Democrats united behind help for victims of that storm even as while an ever more powerful new hurricane bore down on Florida.
The 419 to 3 vote Wednesday sent the aid package - likely the first of several - to the Senate in hopes of sending the bill to President Donald Trump before dwindling disaster reserves run out at the end of this week.
Texas Rep. John Culberson, whose Houston district was slammed by Harvey, promised that "help is on the way."
Senate Republicans hope to add an increase to the government's borrowing limit, but Democrats announced Wednesday that they only support a short-term increase.
Some New York Democrats reminded Texas Republicans of their votes opposing Superstorm Sandy aid five years ago.
This week's measure is to handle the immediate emergency needs and replenish reserves in advance of Irma. Much more will be needed.
(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
