By AP
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Senate has voted to end debate over an emergency measure that will provide a $150 million downpayment on aid to Tennessee and other states hit by severe floods this year. Senators voted Thursday to move to final passage of the almost $59 billion emergency war funding and disaster relief bill, setting up a final vote for later today.
In Tennessee, flooding killed 22 people and caused more than $2 billion in damage in Nashville alone. Communities declared as disaster areas are required to match 25% of federal aid to qualify for it. The bill approved Thursday reduces the match to 10%.
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a similar measure.