New Stimulus Legislation Appears on Verge of Passing

After weeks and even months of inaction, Congressional leaders appear to have forged an agreement approving some $900 billion in new coronavirus aid.

“For the information of all senators and more important for the American people, we can finally report what our nation has needed to hear for a very long time: more help is on the way,” Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced from the Senate floor.

That announcement followed on the heels of a leadership conference hashing out an agreement on a weekly $300 unemployment benefit for the next 11 weeks, as well as a new round of Payroll Protection Program assistance.

In a joint statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said they had reached an “agreement with Republicans and the White House on an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package that delivers urgently needed funds to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people as the virus accelerates.”

Passage of the new pandemic legislation marks the first time since last spring that Congress has successfully approved a comprehensive package responding to the Covid-19 outbreak and subsequent national economic shutdown.

The relief also includes $1.4 trillion for the continued funding of the government for the next ten months.
​
The actual vote on the legislation is not expected to occur until late Monday afternoon.

​By Garry Boulard

---