Senate Advances $36.5 Billion Disaster Relief Package That Will Help Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Monday gave a preliminary OK to a $36.5 billion hurricane relief package that would provide Puerto Rico with a much-needed infusion of cash and keep the federal flood insurance program from running out of money to pay claims. The 79-16 procedural vote set the stage for a final vote, most likely Tuesday. The measure also provides $18.7 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s rapidly dwindling emergency disaster accounts.