Senate passes $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill that includes $1,400 checks, child tax credits, more unemployment

The Senate passed a bill Saturday afternoon aimed at providing Americans and states with pandemic relief in addition to vaccine distribution.

The vote was not a bipartisan one as the bill passed 50-49 with the yes votes all Democrats and the no votes all Republicans. The Senate began early Friday morning and worked into the night before passing the bill early this afternoon.

The bill includes direct payments of up to $1,400 for individuals, provides $300 per week unemployment to September, establishes an enhanced child tax credit that would provide families with up to $3,600 per child, hands out $350 billion in state aid, $14 billion to distribute vaccines, and $34 billion in Affordable Care Act subsidies.

The amount of the stimulus checks varies in the Senate bill as the $1,400 will be gradually reduced based on income. Those making greater than $80,000 as an individual or $160,000 as a couple would not receive a check.

The bill no longer includes a $15 minimum wage, however, it subsidizes 100 percent of COBRA insurance coverage for those who are unemployed.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was pleased with the outcome.

“COVID has affected nearly every aspect of life and the American Rescue Plan will deliver more help to more people than anything the federal government’s done in decades. This bill is broader, deeper, more comprehensive in helping working people and lifting people out of poverty. I want the American people to know that more help is on the way with the American Rescue Plan. I want the American people to know that we are going to get through this COVID crisis.”

The bill will now head back to the House of Representatives before it would hit President Joe Biden’s desk.