The relief bill approved Saturday by the Senate has direct payments of up to $1,400 for most Americans, extended unemployment benefits and more child tax credits.
WASHINGTON — The Senate approved a sweeping pandemic relief package over Republican opposition on Saturday, moving President Joe Biden closer to a milestone political victory that would provide $1,400 checks for most American and direct billions of dollars to schools, state and local governments, and businesses.
The bill cleared by a party-line vote of 50-49 after a marathon overnight voting session and now heads back to the House for final passage, which could come early next week.
Democrats said their “American Rescue Plan” would help the country defeat the virus and nurse the economy back to health. Republicans criticized the $1.9 trillion package as more expensive than necessary. The measure follows five earlier virus bills totaling about $4 trillion that Congress has enacted since last spring.
What’s in the Senate COVID-19 relief bill?
Here’s a look at some highlights of the legislation:
Expanded…
