Senate Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill

Misbar has discovered that in a 50-49 party-line vote, the Senate has passed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act according to CNN.com. The measure next moves back to the House, which is expected to approve the Senate changes next week and then send the bill to the president before March 14, when some unemployment benefits are expected to expire. 

The extensive legislation includes $1,400 stimulus checks, $300-per-week jobless benefits through the summer, a child allowance of up to $3,600 for one year, $350 billion for state aid, $34 billion to expand Affordable Care Act subsidies, and $14 billion for vaccine distribution according to NBCnews.com. The increase of the minimum wage to $15 an hour was removed from the bill by the Senate. 

However, not everyone is happy that the bill passed, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. According to ABC news, heading into debate on Friday, McConnell vowed that Republicans would put up a fight, and they did, offering dozens of amendments to the bill in a marathon overnight voting session.