Senate unanimously passes ~$500 billion coronavirus relief bill to add funds for hospitals, testing, small business loans
By voice vote, the Senate approved $500 billion more in coronavirus relief, which brings to nearly $3 trillion the amount of federal funds allocated to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
The House is expected to approve it on Thursday.
From Reuters:
The deal provides $321 billion for a small business lending program, $60 billion for a separate emergency disaster loan program also for small businesses, as well as $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for national coronavirus testing.
The Senate was expected to vote on the plan later on Tuesday, and the House of Representatives later in the week, most likely on Thursday.
Congressional leaders had said they were very close to an agreement on legislation to provide more money to help small businesses, after an initial $350 billion fund was quickly exhausted.
The bill agreed on Tuesday would be the fourth major piece of legislation passed as the federal government seeks to ease the heavy economic and personal toll of a pandemic that has killed more than 42,000 Americans and left more than 22 million people out of work.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate approves new coronavirus aid bill with nearly $500 billion total for businesses, hospitals and testing.
- Jon Chrisos (@JonWGME) April 21, 2020
A Dem source on the Senate conference call this PM says @SenSchumer told his members there WILL be a Phase 4 bill & Dems want to include: funding for state & local govts; rental assistance; election integrity; Heroes' fund; postal service; among others.
- Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) April 21, 2020
Senate approves by voice vote the $484 billion phase 3.5 bill on the Coronavirus that includes about $384 billion for small businesses, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for COVID-19 testing.
- Jason Donner (@jason_donner) April 21, 2020
Senate approves Coronavirus funding bill. It now goes to the House where final approval is expected by end of the week.
- Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 21, 2020
Pelosi and Schumer say they are already planning for another massive stimulus. "As soon as it has passed in the House, we will advance CARES 2, which must be transformative and far-reaching."
- Manu Raju (@mkraju) April 21, 2020