No Funding Hiccups Anticipated on Disaster Aid

Ongoing negotiations on Capitol Hill are likely to ensure a smooth flow of disaster aid in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

Congressional aides are working quietly on a six-month government funding bill that would prevent a shutdown of the government next month and ensure that the government’s main disaster relief program gets a steady flow of money.

It’s a different story from a year ago, when inadequate Federal Emergency Management Agency funding and slew of expensive disasters almost combined to drain the government’s main disaster program dry.

A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner said Tuesday it’s hoped lawmakers can reach agreement on the funding bill next week. The House and the Senate then would pass it before the current budget year ends Sept. 30 and avert a government shutdown.