The U.S. Senate has narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The vote gives President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies a victory that they say is crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums. Final passage came after the Senate voted all night on a series of amendments. Nearly all were from Republicans and were rejected. Senate passage sets up final congressional approval by the House next week. Not a single Republican backed the bill in the Senate or when it initially passed the House.
The bill as approved carries payments of up to $1,400 for most Americans. It also provides billions for states…cities…schools…and industries.
U.S. Senator John Hoeven:
“Over the last year, Congress has approved five COVID-19 relief bills under Republican leadership in the Senate, and with strong bipartisan support to help address pandemic needs, including the $900 billion approved in late December. That money has not been expended and should be fully utilized before Congress authorizes additional spending. However, on a purely partisan basis, Democrats have passed a $1.9 trillion partisan proposal that goes well beyond the needs of the pandemic and adds to our increasing national debt on the backs of hardworking Americans.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer:
”Democrats are using a global health pandemic to go on a shopping spree with taxpayer dollars, buying as many items off their liberal wish-list as they can get their hands on. It’s gross. Deceitfully labeled COVID-19 relief, this bill incentivizes workers to stay unemployed even as the economy recovers, gives federal employees weeks of additional paid leave with virtually no stipulations, bails out cities and states facing financial ruin after years of mismanagement.”
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