Tax-cutting House Republicans suddenly worry about the deficit when Puerto Rico needs help

Tax-cutting House Republicans suddenly worry about the deficit when Puerto Rico needs help
Why 69 Republicans didn’t vote for Puerto Rico aid.
Updated by Tara Golshan on October 14, 2017 8:40 am

A full-blown humanitarian crisis is still underway in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated the island last month. More than 80 percent of the island is still without electricity, there’s a daily shortage of 1.8 million meals, and hospitals are running low on medication, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In California, uncontrollable wildfires continue to ravage homes and entire economies. People are dying.

The House passed an emergency relief package this week that would direct $36.5 billion toward recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, California, and other communities affected by natural disasters. But 69 Republicans voted against it.

The excuse: It would be too big a blow to the deficit.

https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/policy-and-politics/2017/10/14/16465842/republicans-peurto-rico-deficit