In times of crisis, a prime directive is “do not panic.” Lawmakers need to heed that wisdom as Harvey’s devastation of Houston continues to unfold.

Congress will take up disaster funding next week. Moving resources to parts of the country demolished by a freak act of God is a long-established role for government, and typically, even the stingiest fiscal conservatives are onboard with such disaster aid. Where disputes have occurred, and they’re being refought these days, is over the cynical practice of using emergency relief bills to cram through non-emergency items.