The House has passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill which is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk.
The bill was passed on Wednesday and is one of the most extensive stimulus bills in American history. Under the new bill, unemployment is extended and makes more citizens eligible for unemployment insurance until September 6th. The $1,400 stimulus payments will be directed to most Americans and their dependents. Additionally, $25 billion will go towards rental and utility assistance, with $10 billion for mortgage aid. The package also addresses the virus directly, designating nearly $20 billion for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and distribution and almost $50 billion going towards testing and contact tracing.
In a statement on Wednesday, Biden said that he was planning to sign the bill into law on Friday.
“This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation – the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going – a fighting chance,” Biden said.
Democrats passed the bill as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on Americans’ lives and the economy, despite the vaccine’s arrival.
