US House passes $900bn Covid-19 aid bill after months of gridlock

Democrats say last-minute' package, which now heads to Senate, falls short of US needs

• Epidemiologist predicts second post-pandemic roaring 20s'

After months of Washington gridlock, Congress began moving a $900bn pandemic relief package, finally delivering long-sought cash to businesses and individuals as well as resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.

Lawmakers tacked on thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a burst of legislation as Capitol Hill is set to close down for the year.