The Associated Press reported Friday afternoon that the House has rushed a $2.2 trillion rescue package to President Donald Trump to sign. The package is seen as a life preserver to the U.S. economy and healthcare system, crippled by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The approved measure was voted on by voice and strong majorities of both parties lined up behind this package, which is the most colossal economic relief bill in U.S. history. It will ship payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small and flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation’s nearly overwhelmed health care system, the AP reported.
The AP reported that Trump said he would sign the measure immediately, even as the virus’ death toll in the U.S. surpassed 1,300 and the number of confirmed infections spiraled above 93,000. A record 3.3 million people filed for jobless benefits last week as growing numbers of companies lock their doors.
Illustrating the virus’ ongoing spread, Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., became the fourth member of Congress to announce he’d been diagnosed with COVID-19, the AP reported.
Practicing CDC guidelines on protecting oneself from COVID-19, there were hand sanitizers at the end of each aisle in the House chamber as the day’s debate sketched the latest picture of what legislating looks like during a pandemic. Most lawmakers practiced social distancing, sitting well apart from one another, and microphones and lecterns were swabbed with sanitary wipes between speeches.