Senate passes disaster relief bill; CDC issues hurricane-related alert

The Senate yesterday voted 82-17 to approve a second emergency funding measure to support recovery from the nation’s recent hurricanes and wildfires. The $36.5 billion emergency supplemental contains $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund, $16 billion for National Flood Insurance Program debt forgiveness, $1.27 billion for nutrition assistance for Puerto Rico, and $576.5 million to combat wildfires. The measure passed the House Oct. 12 and now goes to the president for his signature. In other news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday issued recommendations for health care providers treating patients in or recently returning from hurricane-affected areas, where environmental conditions may pose an increased risk for the spread of infectious diseases.