(Bloomberg) – The U.S. House will most likely vote onthe first phase of emergency relief money for Hurricane Harvey in mid-September after returning fromsummer recess, a Republican aide said Thursday.

The initial down payment would replenish Federal EmergencyManagement Agency funds used in the immediate aftermath of themassive storm that flooded parts of Houston with more than 50inches of rain, said the aide, speaking on condition ofanonymity. The House and Senate are set to return toWashington Sept. 5.

Related: Returning home after HurricaneHarvey

"I've got every confidence that Congress will deal with this ina timely way," Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a former Texasgovernor, told reporters aboard Air Force Two en route to CorpusChristi on Thursday. He said he had "no idea" how much money willbe needed.

Housing biggest long-term concern

Vice President Mike Pence told reporters on the plane thathousing is the biggest long-term concern in the hurricane zone,following search-and-rescue operations and moving people out ofshelters. More than 2,000 manufactured FEMA homes are being sent tothe area and another 4,000 have been ordered, he said.

The House Republican aide said appropriators might need morethan the first week back in Washington to get a bill ready for afloor vote. A fuller aid plan focused on rebuilding the affectedparts of Texas and Louisiana would come later in September oncethere's a more complete assessment of the damage, the aidesaid.

In the Senate, where Republican leaders plan to start debate onan annual defense bill after returning from the monthlongrecess, there has been no indication of a change in plans.

'Take some time' to decide what's needed

Texas's two senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, bothsaid this week that they'll work with the Texas House delegation ona relief measure. Cruz told reporters in Houston Wednesday it will"take some time" to decide what's needed.

Related: Can a debt-burdened flood program take onHurricane Harvey?

"I spent yesterday with the president in Corpus Christi andAustin and the president was unequivocal in his commitment that theadministration would be there for Texas," Cruz told reporters atHouston's George R. Brown Convention Center, which is being used asa shelter for storm victims. He added he anticipates "providing theaid that Texans need."

Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican leader, also toldreporters he'd spoken to President Donald Trump about taking actionsoon.

Targeted disaster relief

"This is not just money that's doled out for any purpose,''Cornyn said in a statement. "This has to be targeted for disasterrelief and recovery from Hurricane Harvey."

Related: Once Houston's flood waters recede, what damageswill be revealed?