The White House will ask Congress on Friday to approve at least $44 billion to help storm-ravaged communities in Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, according to three sources privy to the request.

It would mark the third aid installment in three months. Congress has already approved $52 billion in response to the spate of hurricanes that killed 260 people and caused hundreds of billions of dollars in damage.

The latest request falls short of what local officials had sought for their recovery, though the White House is expected to send additional aid proposals in the coming months. Texas had asked for $61 billion for reconstruction, and Puerto Rico has sought $96 billion.

Both the House and Senate are expected to take up the request next month, possibly as part of a year-end spending deal. The request comes as lawmakers leave town for a weeklong Thanksgiving break.

Source:https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/16/white-house-disaster-aid-request-246522