Story highlights The new measure comes about a month after Congress passed $15 billion in aid

The funds could go to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and wildfires

(CNN) The House of Representatives approved Thursday a $36.5 billion disaster aid package to help victims struggling to recover from a string of devastating hurricanes and wildfires.

The bill passed ‎353-69. The measure heads to the Senate, which returns from a weeklong recess next week.

While the Trump administration requested $29 billion in supplemental spending last week, it asked for additional resources Tuesday night, including $4.9 billion to specifically to fund a loan program that Puerto Rico can use to address basic functions like infrastructure needs.

"‎We think it's critical that we pass this legislation this week to get the people of California the help they need, to support the victims, and also to help the communities still recovering and dealing with the problems with the hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria," House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Wednesday.

The new measure comes roughly a month after Congress passed $15 billion in new emergency aid, but that was before Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico and before a deadly wave of wildfires in California amplified an existing problem with wildfires out West.

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