Disaster Aid May See Senate Vote Next Week

A vote in the Senate in disaster aid could take place next week, with a still-to-be set package containing several billion dollars in help for those hit by disasters. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., told reporters on Monday that both sides were still talking. He signaled he was cautiously optimistic that the two sides could be able to come up with a solution on the blocked plan. "Next week is the week before a big break," Shelby said. "I can't predict what will happen, but I think something is either going to hit the floor dealing with that, or maybe we'll all come to an agreement." If the measure comes up for a vote, it would make good on the expectation of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R., Ky., who said he expected to chamber to be able to act on the disaster plan before the week-long Memorial Day break.