WASHINGTON, D.C. — A looming government shutdown on Saturday was averted Wednesday when the U.S. Senate and House passed a stopgap measure to fully fund the government for roughly the next 10 weeks.
The bill includes about $500 million in flood relief funding for West Virginia and other states affected by high water earlier this year, including block grants for flood recovery.
“Congress is taking action to give families and communities in West Virginia the help they need to recover and start rebuilding after June’s devastating floods. I saw this damage firsthand. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I worked closely with leadership on this bill to make it clear just how much West Virginia needs these funds,” said Rep. Evan Jenkins.
The $1.1 billion bill also includes funding to fight the Zika virus. It now awaits the signature of President Obama.