WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both chambers of Congress have passed a budget resolution which could lead to another round of stimulus checks and other pandemic relief in coming weeks.
The Senate wrapped up a 15-hour voting session by passing it early Friday morning.
Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote, which sets the stage for Democrats to approve the $1.9 trillion relief package without Republican support.
Later in the day, the House approved the resolution, removing a major hurdle to getting President Biden’s COVID-19 rescue plan across the finish line.
The plan extends unemployment benefits and pumps billions into reopening schools and getting more people vaccinated.
It also includes $1,400 stimulus checks for low- and moderate-income families.
“I’m not cutting the size of the checks. They’re going to be $1,400, period,” said Biden.
Republicans have criticized the plan, saying it’s too costly, and proposed their own slimmed-down version.
“Democrats in Congress are plowing ahead. They’re using this phony budget to set the table to ram through their $1.9 trillion rough draft,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell, Republican Minority Leader.
Democrats are moving ahead with or without Republican support.
“What Republicans have proposed is either to do nothing or not enough,” Biden said.
Next week, committee leaders in the House will start writing the bill itself.
Once the bill is finalized, it has to pass the House and the Senate before going to the President’s desk.
TRENDING NOW:
