The House of Representatives had to deal with the package of measures again because there had been changes in the Senate. The parliamentary process is now complete. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki announced that US President Joe Biden would sign the legislative package on Friday to put it into effect.
The House of Representatives, controlled by Biden’s Democrats, passed the measures worth $ 1.9 trillion (1.6 trillion euros) with a majority of 220-211 votes. The Senate, in which the Democrats only have a wafer-thin majority, voted for the aid package on Saturday after a marathon session.
The new US President Joe Biden has achieved political success with the aid package
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In the final vote in the House of Representatives, the Democrats voted almost unanimously in favor of the package of measures – there was only one deviator. In the republicans of ex-President Donald Trump not a single member of parliament voted for the new corona aid.
Checks for millions of citizens
With the huge rescue package, Biden wants to intensify the fight against the pandemic and its economic effects. Among other things, checks for $ 1,400 are planned for millions of citizens, which will hit a total of more than $ 400 billion. Additional unemployment benefits of $ 300 per week that expire on Sunday are to be extended through September. In addition, tax rebates for families with children and low wage earners are being expanded.
“A defining moment”: Nancy Pelosi, Democratic leader of the House of Representatives
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Billions are also planned for corona vaccinations and corona tests, the safe reopening of schools and companies in crisis. Cities and states are set to receive $ 350 billion to shoulder the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Help is on the way”
The Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, spoke of a “decisive moment in the history of our country”. “Help is on the way – for the people, for the children.” The Republicans, on the other hand, criticize the aid as too costly and not targeted.
Experts expect the aid to give the US economy a strong boost after last year’s dramatic slump. The White House announced that it would implement the package “at full speed”.
gri / glh (dpa, afp, rtr)
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