Biden’s COVID-19 relief package passes final hurdle

• President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief package has passed its final hurdle, clearing the U.S. House of Representatives
• The US$1.9 trillion (around A$2.5 trillion) package includes another round of stimulus cheques, which aim to boost the pandemic-ravaged economy
• The package passed the Democrat-controlled House 220–211 on Wednesday, despite Republicans delaying the passage with their cost-related concerns
• The next step is for President Biden to sign off on the bill, passing it into law, which is expected to happen on Friday
• Once the bill comes into effect, it will be the largest stimulus package introduced since the Great Depression

U.S. President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief package has passed its final hurdle, clearing the House of Representatives.

The US$1.9 trillion (around A$2.5 trillion) American Rescue Plan aims to revitalise the country, which has been badly affected by the pandemic.

Among the measures included in the bill is another round of stimulus cheques for most adults — worth US$1400 (about A$1800) each.

Additionally, the package extends the US$300-(roughly A$387-)per-week emergency unemployment benefit for an additional six months.

The long-awaited package passed the House of Representatives 220–211 on Wednesday after days of debate.

What a ☀️ beautiful day ☀️ to sign the #AmericanRescueAct side-by-side with @SpeakerPelosi on behalf of Democrats in Congress to send to President Biden.

To Americans across the country:

Big, bold, urgent COVID relief is on the way. pic.twitter.com/GTkHtUGSy4

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 10, 2021

Republicans were trying to delay the passage amid concerns around its cost — the largest stimulus package introduced since the Great Depression.

Despite the concerns, the Bill passed comfortably through the Democrat-controlled House, with only one of the party’s own members opposing the bill.

The bill has now been sent to Joe Biden, who’s expected to sign off on the package on Friday, allowing for the stimulus payments to begin being distributed as early as next week.

“This bill represents a historic, historic, victory for the American people,” the U.S. President said.

“I look forward to signing it later this week. Everything in the American Rescue Plan addresses a real need, including investments to fund our entire vaccination effort,” Biden added.

To date, the U.S. has the highest rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths across the globe, with over 28 million cases and more than 529,000 deaths.