The Senate unanimously voted to approve the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which aims to provide a $2 trillion relief package to help alleviate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The bill was voted on late Wednesday night, the delay was caused by disagreements to the bill's unemployment assistance provisions which would allow unemployed Americans to get paid during the pandemic. The Senate voted to keep the unemployment insurance provision for laid-off workers that will allow for four months of full pay.
The final package includes:
The House is set to vote on these measures this Friday. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Senate will leave for recess and will return April 20th.
The final package includes:
- $1,200 checks to many Americans and $500 for children
- $15.8 billion in additional funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- $8.8. billion in funding for Children Nutrition Programs
- $150 billion for health care system
- $150 billion to state, tribal, and local government
- $350 billion in a form of loans to aid small businesses impacted by the pandemic
- Additional $600 per week for maximum unemployment insurance benefit
The House is set to vote on these measures this Friday. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Senate will leave for recess and will return April 20th.
