$2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package…What's in it???
The Senate Just Passed a $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package. Here’s What’s in It
BY ALANA ABRAMSON AND PHILIP ELLIOTT
UPDATED: MARCH 26, 2020 9:17 AM EDT | ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: MARCH 25, 2020 8:31 PM EDAfter days of intense and dramatic negotiations, the Senate passed a landmark $2 trillion relief package for millions of Americans and businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill includes direct $1,200 cash payments to many Americans; $150 billion to help the healthcare industry; $500 billion for state and local governments and companies; and $350 billion in loans and assistance for small businesses.
The measure passed unanimously, although only 96 Senators were present because four were in quarantine after exposure to the coronavirus. The measure must now pass the House of Representatives before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said there will be a voice vote on Friday morning, which does not require in-person participation. While passage is not guaranteed, Senators on both sides of the aisle expressed confidence they had reached a deal that would pass the Democrat-majority House.
“Over the past few days, the Senate has stepped into the breach. We packed weeks or perhaps months of the legislative process into five days. Representatives from both sides of the aisle and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue have forged a bipartisan agreement in highly partisan times, with very little time to spare,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor in remarks preceding the vote. “It’s been a long, hard road, with a remarkable number of twists and turns, but for the sake of millions of Americans, it will be worth it.”
The bill includes direct $1,200 cash payments to many Americans; $150 billion to help the healthcare industry; $500 billion for state and local governments and companies; and $350 billion in loans and assistance for small businesses.
The measure passed unanimously, although only 96 Senators were present because four were in quarantine after exposure to the coronavirus. The measure must now pass the House of Representatives before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said there will be a voice vote on Friday morning, which does not require in-person participation. While passage is not guaranteed, Senators on both sides of the aisle expressed confidence they had reached a deal that would pass the Democrat-majority House.
“Over the past few days, the Senate has stepped into the breach. We packed weeks or perhaps months of the legislative process into five days. Representatives from both sides of the aisle and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue have forged a bipartisan agreement in highly partisan times, with very little time to spare,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor in remarks preceding the vote. “It’s been a long, hard road, with a remarkable number of twists and turns, but for the sake of millions of Americans, it will be worth it.”
