Bill to Boost Disaster Aid Clears Senate Hurdle

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats have scored a victory in a bid to pass $7 billion in disaster relief.

After a loss Monday caused by too many absent senators, the disaster relief measure passed a procedural test by a 61-38 vote on Tuesday. Sixty votes were needed to defeat GOP blocking tactics.

The vote sets to stage for passage of the measure later this week.

Democrats say the measure is needed to refill a disaster aid account that will soon run out of money.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell says he prefers a thriftier approach promised by House GOP leaders.