“If things continue on this path, and nothing gets in the way we’ll be able to look at seek relief for millions of Americans out of work and fearing eviction, the American people cannot pay their families or pay their bills with Congress good faith discussions, they need us to act.” says Senator Mitch McConnel, (R) Kentucky / Majority Leader
A Merry Christmas awaits America as Lawmakers in Washington DC is set to pass the $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus deal. A one-day extension of government funding was allowed by both House and Senate night of December 21, 2020, to allow the final bill text on the relief package to be written. President Trump signed the stopgap measure, preventing a government shutdown.
Lawmakers appear to compromise on one of the final hurdles to a stimulus deal on a $900 billion package for pandemic relief. It’s been more than six months since Congress passed a stimulus package, but lawmakers say they are finally close to getting that deal across the finish line. A few days until the government shutdown, Congress finally reaching a compromise on a stimulus package, clearing the way for a vote in the House and Senate as early as December 20, 2020,
Prior unemployment benefits are about to expire in less than two weeks and lawmakers working through the weekend were at odds as they were running out of time.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer signaled a vital progress aid saying lawmakers pushed past that major hurdle just before midnight of December 20, 2020. A $900 billion relief package includes $300 and weekly federal unemployment benefits and $600 in direct payments for millions of Americans.
President Trump called on Congress to increase the amount of that stimulus on Twitter, tweeting at all caps “GET IT DONE, and give them more money and direct payments.” but still silent on the rise in coronavirus cases.
Republicans wanted to keep the bill’s overall price tag down, suggesting to release in smaller amounts of $600 stimulus payments individually in direct payments, but Democrats were pushing for one-time payments at $1200.
The COVID Relief package also includes:
- A $300/ week in supplemental unemployment benefits
- $15 billion for the airlines
- $14 billion for public transportation, among other things,
- Money for distribution of COVID vaccines
- Aid for public schools and small businesses,
- Financial Support to help feed the hungry.
To be eligible for the $600 payment, initial requirements must be any of the following:
- Making less than $75,000 a year
- Couples making less than 150,000.
- Children
People making between $75,000.00 to $99,000 a year would get something, but less than $600.
According to the Associated Press, if the deal is finalized, this will be America’s largest spending measure, which combines the COVID-19 relief with a $1.4 trillion government-wide funding plan that the New York Times referred to as a $2.3 trillion behemoth.”
If Congress fails to act, 12 million Americans will have to lose jobless aid after Christmas. For the bill to become law, both the House and Senate must pass the legislation and signed by President Donald Trump. Chambers are expected to debate and vote on the package on December 21, 2020.