Trump opposes any further Puerto Rico aid

US President Donald Trump says Puerto Rico has received too much rebuilding money compared to the US southern states also ravaged by disaster.

Congress Disaster Aide Puerto Rico

Trump's opposition to additional Puerto Rico funding sets up a showdown with US House Democrats. (AAP)

US President Donald Trump is taking a hard line against further disaster aid for hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico, telling GOP allies that the US island territory has gotten too much rebuilding money compared with Southern states.

Trump's opposition to additional Puerto Rico funding sets up a showdown with House Democrats, who insist that a $US13 billion to $US14 billion ($A18 billion to $A20 billion) disaster aid package that's a top priority for southern Republicans won't advance without Puerto Rico aid.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio says Trump told Republicans at a luncheon on Tuesday that aid for Puerto Rico "is way out of proportion to what Texas and Florida and others have gotten".

The disaster aid package cleared a procedural hurdle by a 90-10 vote and is expected to pass the Senate, setting up talks with the Democratic-controlled House.


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Published 27 March 2019 9:12am
Source: AAP


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