Washington – Congress on Wednesday is expected to approve a total of $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan with the aim of addressing the continuing economic consequences of the ongoing pandemic, giving President Biden his first major legislative victory.
The measure, called the American Rescue Plan, overcame a procedural hurdle on Tuesday, and the House is ready to start voting on the package on Wednesday afternoon. The $ 1.9 trillion aid plan is expected to cross the lines of the party and will go to Biden’s desk before major unemployment programs expire on March 14. The Senate approved the plan on Saturday after a voting marathon.
How to watch the House vote today on the American Rescue Plan
- What: The Chamber votes on the $ 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan
- Meeting: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
- Time: House meeting at 9am ET
- Localization: United States Capitol
- Stream online: Live on CBSN on the player above and on your mobile or streaming device
The coronavirus relief package provides direct payments of $ 1,400 to individuals who make up to $ 75,000 annually, gives $ 350 billion in aid to state and local governments, and allocates $ 14 billion for vaccine distribution. It also includes an additional $ 300 billion in weekly unemployment benefits through September and a tax credit of up to $ 3,600 per child.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that many Americans will receive their checks by the end of the month, and they will not carry Biden’s signature. Former President Donald Trump had his name printed on previous relief checks distributed to Americans.
Democrats have announced the economic aid package as one of their defining legislative achievements. But Republicans in both chambers criticized the move for its $ 1.9 trillion price and scope, as well as the Democrats’ decision to take the plan to Congress without their support.
A version of the president’s relief plan was passed by the House last week, but the Senate changed the package and passed it in a 50-49 vote on the party line. The lower house will now vote on the measure amended by the Senate.
Changes to the Senate’s amendment include reducing the unemployment insurance benefit from $ 400 to $ 300 a week, but extending it through September 6 instead of ending the additional aid in August. This will make the first $ 10,200 in unemployment benefits non-taxable for families earning less than $ 150,000.
The bill amended by the Senate also limited eligibility for direct checks. These compromises were negotiated to satisfy moderate Democrats in the Senate, especially Senator Joe Manchin. Since Democrats have a majority of 50 seats in the Senate, they require the support of all 50 Democrats to pass any controversial legislation, which means that members like Manchin need to be appeased in order for the bills to pass.
Lawmakers used a process known as budget reconciliation to bring the aid plan to the two chambers, which allowed it to pass the Senate with a simple majority and without Republican support. But the package had to comply with certain rules that govern the reconciliation process, which led to an increase of the minimum wage by US $ 15 and was withdrawn from the original proposal that had been approved by the Chamber.
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who agrees with the Democrats, introduced an amendment to the final bill raising the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour by 2025, but failed in a 42-58 vote.
Note: Streaming plans are subject to change.