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Trump opposes further disaster aid for battered Puerto Rico

This June 18, 2018, file photo shows an aerial view of the Amelia neighborhood in the municipality of Catano, east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. A long-delayed disaster aid bill that's a top political priority for some of President Donald Trump's GOP allies is facing a potentially tricky path as it heads to the Senate floor this week. Although the measure has wide backing from both parties, the White House isn't pleased with the bill and is particularly opposed to efforts by Democrats to make hurricane relief to Puerto Rico more generous. (AP Photo/Dennis M. Rivera, File)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is taking a hard line against further disaster aid for hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico, telling GOP allies that the U.S. island territory has gotten too much rebuilding money compared with Southern states.

Trump’s opposition to additional Puerto Rico funding sets up a showdown with House Democrats, who insist that a $13 billion to $14 billion disaster aid package that’s a top priority for southern Republicans won’t advance without Puerto Rico aid.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio says Trump told Republicans at a luncheon Tuesday that aid for Puerto Rico “is way out of proportion to what Texas and Florida and others have gotten.”

The disaster aid package cleared a procedural hurdle by a 90-10 vote and is expected to pass the Senate, setting up talks with the Democratic-controlled House.

Andrew Taylor, The Associated Press