The $2 Trillion Coronavirus Aid Bill Has Passed The House And Been Signed Into Law

The House of Representatives passed a historic $2 trillion coronavirus aid bill Friday afternoon, approving hundreds of billions in support to businesses and $1,200 cash payments to most people who live in the US.

President Trump signed the bill into law at a White House ceremony at around 5 p.m. Friday.

The House had passed the bill by a voice vote, which was its original plan that would have allowed members to stay home. However, Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who opposed the bill, attempted to force a full recorded vote.

"I came here to make sure our republic doesn't die by unanimous consent in an empty chamber, and I request a recorded vote," Massie said on the House floor.
 

A surreal scene today.

Legislating during #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/5OuBf7Rl4P

— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) March 27, 2020

For his plan to work, Massie needed to show that a majority of the House — at least 216 members — were not present. But hundreds of members had already traveled from across the country to the Capitol to block his procedural move. They gathered into the House chamber keeping as much distance between themselves as possible.

With a majority of members present, Massie's attempt failed. The bill was passed through the House on a voice vote. The Senate previously passed the aid package Wednesday 96–0.

Massie tweeted that party leaders were blocking a recorded vote "just to insulate members of Congress from ACCOUNTABILITY." He took heat from members of both parties, and President Trump went on Twitter to denounce Massie as “a third rate Grandstander” and “a disaster for America.” Trump called for Massie to be kicked out of the Republican Party.

The bill authorizes direct payments of $1,200 to every US resident with a Social Security number who makes up to $75,000 per year. Those who make more than that will see smaller checks, and the payments are phased out entirely for incomes over $99,000. The government will also give $500 for every child in the household.

Other provisions include $500 billion in loans to distressed businesses, $350 billion for small businesses to retain employees, $100 billion for hospitals, and $600 per week in unemployment insurance for laid-off workers, on top of state benefits, for up to four months.

Party leaders celebrated passing the legislation but simultaneously said they expect more aid will be needed as a nationwide shutdown continues for an unknown amount of time. The Senate is scheduled to be in recess until April 20.

Other key parts of the bill include:

• A tax credit of up to $10,000 for wages paid by businesses hit hard by the coronavirus, to incentivize keeping staff on the payroll

• More than $3 billion in emergency funding for childcare

• Funding for states to immediately begin paying out unemployment benefits when someone is laid off

• Allowing employers (but not employees) to defer paying their share of Social Security tax on wages; that tax would have to be paid over the next two years

• A series of measures that expand telehealth services

• $100 billion for hospitals and health care providers

• A $150 billion relief fund for the states

• $16 billion to acquire ventilators and other medical equipment

• $4 billion for homeless assistance (although SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps, was not expanded in the bill)

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