Congress Reaches Deal on Virus Aid

Source: WSJ:

December 21, 2020 at 07:29

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said all outstanding issues regarding the coronavirus relief package had been settled. PHOTO: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/SHUTTERSTOCK

The agreement is expected to provide a $600 direct check to many Americans, $300 a week in enhanced federal unemployment benefits, and aid for schools, vaccine distribution and small businesses.

WASHINGTON—Lawmakers reached a final agreement on the roughly $900 billion coronavirus relief package, moving Congress closer to approval of a fresh infusion of aid to households, small businesses and schools after months of gridlock.

The emerging agreement is expected to provide a $600 direct check to many Americans, $300 a week in enhanced federal unemployment benefits, and aid for schools, vaccine distribution and small businesses.

Negotiators on Sunday had been finalizing details for the rest of the bill after settling a disagreement on the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending powers earlier in the weekend. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) on Sunday afternoon said all outstanding issues were settled.

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