Tag: economic relief package

House passes $484B coronavirus relief package

The Hill logoThe House on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to pass legislation providing roughly $484 billion in coronavirus relief for small businesses, hospitals and expanded medical testing, capping weeks of contentious negotiations that had stalled Washington’s latest round of emergency aid.

The vote was 388-5-1, with four conservative Republicans breaking with GOP leaders to oppose the measure, citing its effect on federal deficit. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also voted against the measure, while Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.) voted present.

The four Republicans who voted “no” were House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Biggs (Ariz.) and Reps. Ken Buck (Colo.), Jody Hice (Ga.) and Thomas Massie (Ky.).  Continue reading.

No deal on fresh coronavirus aid package

Rift over size, shape of relief package threatens small-business fund

A partisan stalemate deepened Thursday over the next steps needed in providing coronavirus financial relief.

The impasse derailed an attempt by Senate Republicans to add $251 billion to a dwindling fund for small-business loans, as Democrats pushed for a broader relief effort.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., sought unanimous consent for legislation to replenish the loan fund, but Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., objected. Continue reading.