Democratic leaders say they view this deal as a “starter” package — something to tide Americans over until Joe Biden takes office and can pass additional stimulus.
Dimanche 20 décembre 200 ((rezonodwes.com))–After weeks of intense negotiations, congressional leaders have finally reached a deal on a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that will include a second round of direct payments, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Sunday night.
The 11th-hour deal comes just days before many of the existing coronavirus relief measures are set to expire on January 1, 2021.
Details…The package includes:
- $600 stimulus checks per adult and child.
- $300 per week in enhanced unemployment insurance for 11 weeks.
- $319 billion for small businesses, including $284 billion for loans given through the Paycheck Protection Program, $20 billion in EIDL Grants, and $15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
- $25 billion in rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium.
- $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits.
- $82 billion in education, with $10 billion dedicated to child care.
- $7 billion to increase access to broadband.
- Billions for vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing.
- Language ending surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care.
- A tax credit for employers offering paid sick leave and extends the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
- $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance.
Democratic leaders say they view this deal as a “starter” package — something to tide Americans over until Joe Biden takes office and can pass additional stimulus. They note that the bill is still far more expensive than many Republicans had wanted, and it excludes McConnell’s previous red line: liability protection for businesses. It also extends enhanced unemployment benefits and includes a new round of stimulus checks — key Democratic priorities.
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