Congress Agrees to $900B Relief Package, Includes $600 Stimulus Checks
Congress has agreed to a bipartisan $900 billion relief package that will include $600 stimulus checks.
A number of major media outlets – including The Washington Post, Fox News, The New York Times and USA Today – report that the relief package will include funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, as well as funding for small businesses, hospitals and schools.
The Washington Post notes, “Lawmakers had already finalized key economic relief measures, including stimulus checks up to $600 per person. The size of that benefit would be reduced for people who earned more than $75,000 in 2019, similar to the last round of stimulus checks, according to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of private deliberations. The stimulus checks would provide $600 per adult and child, meaning a family of four would receive $2,400 up to a certain income.”
The Washington Post added, “Congress would also extend federal unemployment benefits of up to $300 per week, which could start as early as Dec. 27.”
It’s not yet known if there will be any additional discussions regarding the relief package.
The New York Times noted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said, “…the two parties were still finalizing text as of dinnertime in Washington, and he did not indicate when they would formally introduce a bill or bring it up for a vote.” However, Senator McConnell said, “I’m hopeful we can do this as promptly as possible.”