Republican congressional leaders are considering linking a relief bill for Hurricane Harvey victims to an overall package funding the government and increasing the borrowing limit, The Hill is reporting.
While the move would likely win support from some GOP lawmakers who are against a "clear" debt ceiling increase, it would risk a confrontation with President Donald Trump who wants Congress to include $1.6 billion for his proposed wall on the border with Mexico, according to the website.
Some Republicans are arguing they can get the spending bill approved — gaining the support of some Democrats — even as they risk losing the backing of some conservatives who wants spending cuts in the overall package, The Hill reported.
They argue it could be touted as a legislative victory for Trump and the issue of funding the border wall could be put off until later in the year.
But Trump has indicated the disaster relief funds would be dealt with separately from the overall budget, CNN noted.
"I think this is separate," Trump said. "We think Congress will feel very much the way I feel and in very much a bipartisan way."
Trump has indicated he would not sign an overall funding bill if it didn't include money for his border wall — sparking a government shutdown.
But he has said the relief funds for Harvey victims have "nothing to do with it."
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