Senate on Track to Pass $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill by Weekend

The Senate is one step closer to voting on President Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. The Senate voted to begin debating the package after a party-line vote of 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie. But Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin attempted to protest and delay the proceedings by objecting to waive the reading of the legislation. Two Senate clerks and other members of the Secretary of the Senate’s Office took shifts reading the entire 628-page bill out loud starting at 3:30 p.m. It took them exactly 10 hours, 43 minutes and 9 seconds to get through the whole thing. Now that the reading has concluded, the Senate can move forward with their agenda today and introduce unlimited amendments in what’s known as a “vote-a-rama.” Republicans are expected to raise objections, despite the fact that this bill can be passed by the Democratic majority without their support. This is thanks to a special budget process approved weeks ago that bypasses the filibuster. The Senate could pass the bill as early as this weekend.