Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Thursday they would oppose any government funding package that excludes disaster relief for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Hill reported.
Their ultimatum came as President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance urged Congress to pass a lean stopgap funding bill paired with a measure to raise the debt ceiling. While Trump and Vance support disaster relief and aid for farmers, they called for a "clean" bill to address immediate government funding needs.
"We need disaster relief in the tens of billions of dollars," Tillis said. "I don't think $10 billion or $20 billion and a promise we'll do something more in March is an acceptable solution.
"We know what the need is today. It was negotiated in the package, and it needs to be in a package to get my support to get out of here."
Graham echoed Tillis' concerns, calling disaster relief "essential" for South Carolina. He likened the damage caused by the recent hurricanes to Hurricane Hugo, a 1989 storm that devastated the region.
"I cannot tell you the level of destruction that's hit South Carolina," Graham said, adding that Trump had assured him that disaster relief would be included in any funding deal. "Disaster relief is an absolute must to get my vote and my support."
Both senators urged Congress to streamline the funding bill by eliminating unnecessary provisions and focusing on immediate needs. Graham specifically advocated for removing language that would increase congressional salaries and allow the year-round sale of higher-ethanol-blend gasoline.
On Wednesday, Trump cautioned that supporting the initial legislative package could jeopardize the reelection prospects of Republican lawmakers.
"Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be Primaried," he posted on Truth Social.
On Thursday evening, the House rejected the Trump-endorsed plan to fund government and suspend the debt ceiling.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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