WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Some House lawmakers are pushing to pass more relief funding to help small business owners hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“To make sure that we meet the needs of the American people who have been suffering as a result of these extreme weather events,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.
Jeffries says it’s a priority for his party.
“Has to be addressed this Congress,” Jeffries said.
California Congressman Pete Aguilar says it should be passed soon. The Small Business Administration’s relief loan program ran out of money in October.
“We should do that before the end of the year,” Aguilar said.
An effort to pass more funding in the Senate failed Thursday after one lawmaker blocked the bill.
“I object,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said.
Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul protested its cost and what he says are ‘green new deal’ policies.
It caused other senators, including North Carolina’s Thom Tillis, to fight back.
“There are some people today saying if I’ve got to wait ’til next Congress, I’ve got to fold up,” Tillis said.
White House Economic Adviser Jon Donenberg says supporting small businesses is important for the economy. He called the Senate’s vote “unfortunate.”
“This should not be a partisan issue. Historically it’s not a partisan issue. I think we’re confident that eventually we’ll get it done,” Donenberg said.
Now, it’s up to the House, where members of both parties say relief funding is important.
“I am very hopeful that in the next week, we could do it as early as next week I hope,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).
However, the clock is ticking on the 118th Congress.
“Getting anything done before Thanksgiving is going to be a huge lift,” Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) said.
