US Congress scores deal on $900 Billion Pandemic Relief Package

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday that the US Congress finally secured a deal on a $900 billion spending package to boost the country’s economy amid the unwavering coronavirus spread.

While the legislative text was still being prepared, the Congress was expected to vote on it on Monday to be preceded by the Senate.

The $900 billion spending package would provide cash aid amounting to $600 to most Americans and $300-per-week in enhanced unemployment benefits through March, the lawmakers confirmed. Expiring programs for gig workers and the long-term unemployed also would be kept.

Another portion of the package would be $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program that provides forgivable loans to small businesses. The relief plan also includes money for transportation, including airlines, vaccine distribution, and education.

The relief package will be attached to a $1.4 trillion bill that would fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2021.