Congress to Pass $900 Billion Covid-19 Relief Bill by Today

After months of stalemates, Congress is finally ready to approve a $900 billion Covid-19 relief package. Lawmakers hoped to pass a deal by Friday in an attempt to avert a government shutdown. However as the deadline drew nearer, it became increasingly clear one could not be reached by then. Another stopgap bill was passed to allow for more time to work the on legislation before it was announced overnight that a deal had been reached. This agreement includes stimulus checks of up to $600 per person, an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, over $284 billion in small business loans, money to distribute vaccines and $82 billion for colleges and schools. An additional $25 billion in rental assistance and an extension of eviction moratoriums will also be included. Excluded is liability protections from Covid-19 related lawsuits and money for state and local governments. A vote on the package will be held today and officially signed off by President Trump. President-elect Joe Biden and lawmakers of both parties said they’ll revisit Covid-19 relief in 2021.