Trump administration to ask for another $45 bn in disaster relief

Washington, Nov 17 :   The White House reportedly plans to request about $45 billion in additional aid from Congress on Friday for disaster-hit areas, including Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida.

The amount would be significantly less than what some officials of the affected areas have suggested is needed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello asked for $94.4 billion on Monday from Congress to rebuild the island's infrastructure, housing, hospitals and schools devastated by Hurricane Maria in October.

Texas, hit by destructive storms and flooding months ago, submitted a request earlier this month for 61 billion dollars in federal aid for rebuilding efforts in southeastern portions of the state.

Congress approved last month a sum of $36.5 billion in emergency relief for Puerto Rico and other areas struck by natural disasters.

It also said it would consider approving another round of funding after it reviewed requests from federal agencies and state and US commonwealth governments.

The White House has been criticized for its response to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico as basic necessities, including food and water, were slow to reach those in need on the island.

The Puerto Rico government said as of Friday morning that more than half of the US territory remains without electricity.