Another single Republican blocks $19B disaster aid bill for third time as Midwest floods

May 31-- May 31--House Republicans struck again Thursday, blocking for the third time a $19.1 billion disaster relief bill meant to help the flood-soaked Midwest and parts of the country still recovering from summer hurricanes.

The House passed the disaster aid twice already. But the first time, President Trump killed it in the Senate because he said he didn't want more aid going to Puerto Rico.

The second time, the Senate stalled the measure until last week, and sent a new compromise version to the House after members left for the long Memorial Day break.

Rather than call the House back, Democrats tried to pass the Senate version by unanimous consent. One Republican, Rep. Chip Roy (Texas) stood up to object. He said the bill lacked money that president Trump wants for the situation on the southern border, among other reasons. Rep. Tom Massie (R-Ky.) blocked the same request again on Tuesday.

For the third strike at the bill on Thursday, Rep. John Rose of Tennessee stood in the way, complaining that the nation is too deep in debt to simply pass a measure that got 85 votes in the Senate and was backed by President Trump.

"Our nation is $22 trillion in debt. Trying to pass nearly $20 billion in new spending while the majority of Congress is not even in Washington reflects another act of irresponsible big government," Rose said. "This is absolutely without a doubt wrong."

"I am accountable to the people of Tennessee, and I can say with confidence, Tennesseans deserve better than what is being attempted here today," he said, adding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi should call Congress back.

Democrats did not speak at the brief session beyond offering the bill, but the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) took a pointed jab at Rose, who spoke while Tuesday's objector, Massie, sat beside him.

"It is beyond comprehension that anyone would think 15 minutes of fame is worth making disaster victims, like those in flood-battered Tennessee, wait even longer for the help they need," Lowey said in a statement.

The Republicans did agree to pass a two-week extension of the nation's flood insurance program.

The House is due back on Monday.

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