COVID-19 relief deal in Congress slips to Sunday as new funding deadline looms Toggle share menu
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COVID-19 relief deal in Congress slips to Sunday as new funding deadline looms
The US Capitol dome is seen in Washington on Dec 17, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Erin Scott)
20 Dec 2020 08:09AM (Updated:
20 Dec 2020 10:47AM) Share this content
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WASHINGTON: US lawmakers struggled on Saturday (Dec 19) to clear final hurdles to a US$900 billion COVID-19 aid Bill, including a dispute over Federal Reserve emergency lending authorities, pushing any deal closer to a Sunday night government funding deadline.
The US Senate adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses struggling with the steep economic and health costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Congress weekend coronavirus relief talks hit obstacle
Members of Congress are under intense pressure to finish the largest relief package since the early weeks of the pandemic, when Congress passed deals providing more than $4 trillion in aid. COVID-19 has killed 311,000 Americans, by far the most in the world, and put millions out of work, with unemployment rising. Economists say growth will likely remain sluggish until vaccines are widely available in mid-2021.
Written By:
Patricia Zengerle and David Lawder / Reuters | 4:17 pm, Dec. 19, 2020 ×
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks to reporters during a news conference with members of the House Democratic leadership after she was reelected House Speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., November 18, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. congressional leaders reached agreement on Sunday on a $900 billion package to provide the first new aid in months to an economy and individuals battered by the surging coronavirus pandemic, with votes likely on Monday.
The package would be the second-largest economic stimulus in U.S. history, following a $2.3 trillion aid bill passed in March. It comes as the pandemic accelerates, infecting more than 214,000 people in the country each day. More than 317,000 Americans have already died. At long last, we have the bipartisan breakthrough the country has needed, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor, following months of contentious debate.
COVID-19 relief deal in Congress slips to Sunday as new funding deadline looms Toggle share menu
Advertisement
COVID-19 relief deal in Congress slips to Sunday as new funding deadline looms
The US Capitol dome is seen in Washington on Dec 17, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Erin Scott)
20 Dec 2020 08:09AM (Updated:
20 Dec 2020 10:47AM) Share this content
Bookmark
WASHINGTON: US lawmakers struggled on Saturday (Dec 19) to clear final hurdles to a US$900 billion COVID-19 aid Bill, including a dispute over Federal Reserve emergency lending authorities, pushing any deal closer to a Sunday night government funding deadline.
The US Senate adjourned a rare Saturday session with a call from Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to avoid last minute disagreements that could delay new funding for Americans and small businesses struggling with the steep economic and health costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.