WASHINGTON (AP)- The Senate is turning its attention to a $60.4 billion disaster aid package for Superstorm Sandy victims while President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner try to avert the fiscal cliff off spending cuts and tax increases.
The Senate will start debating the bill Monday afternoon. Republicans said they had no objections after Democratic leader Harry Reid assured them on Thursday they could offer amendments to the bill.
It's unclear if the bill could become part of the fiscal cliff negotiations or not. The measure could face a tough fight on Capitol Hill, especially from GOP fiscal conservatives wary of approving such large spending so quickly.
House Republicans are looking at a smaller initial package to cover immediate needs while awaiting more detailed evidence on damages for additional spending.
