After an all night session leading to the Senate’s 50-49 approval for another stimulus package, the House is expected to vote on the amended coronavirus stimulus plan by mid-week.
Following tough negotiations, much of the hard work in getting another COVID-relief package passed is over. “The House now hopes to have a bipartisan vote on this life-saving legislation and urges Republicans to join us in recognition of the devastating reality of this vicious virus and economic crisis and of the need for decisive action,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) after the Senate vote.
With a Democratic-majority, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan is likely to be passed, which scores a huge win for the newly minted Biden Administration.
One of the largest economic stimulus packages ever passed, major components of the relief bill extends federal unemployment benefits to September 6;
- offers tax relief from unemployment benefits;
- provides another round of stimulus cash payments for $1,400 for eligible households;
- extends $300 a week unemployment benefits to September 6
- subsidizes COBRA insurance
- gives emergency rental assistance, as well as relief for the homeless;
- and earmarks long overdue relief aid to Black, Native and Hispanic farmers.
The legislation is slated for a House vote because the Senate made changes to several provisions. In their vote, the $15 an hour minimum was nixed, as well as, there were changes on who qualifies for the $1,400 check. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressely (D-MA) has expressed disagreement with the amendments in a Twitter post:
17 million fewer people would receive checks if eligibility is narrowed.
The people did not give us the House, Senate & WH to play small. If we can find $700 billion for defense spending, we can find the funds for survival checks. This is THEIR money.
While the Democrats did not get their full bill, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) assured, “President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will be the law of the land next week.”
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