Trump seeks an initial $7.9 billion in Harvey aid

Washington • President Donald Trump has sent lawmakers an initial request for a $7.9 billion down payment toward Harvey relief and recovery efforts.The request, expected to be swiftly approved by Congress, would add $7.4 billion to rapidly dwindling Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid coffers and $450 million to finance disaster loans for small businesses.Republican leaders are already making plans to use the aid package, certain to be overwhelmingly popular, to win speedy appr