US senate approves $1.9tn Covid-19 relief package after overnight 'vote-a-thon'

6 March 2021, 18:54

Senators approved the extreme measures to help the US recover from the Covid-19 pandemic
Senators approved the extreme measures to help the US recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture: PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

The US senate has narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package in a significant win for newly-elected President Joe Biden.

The total spend amounts to almost 10% of the country's economy but supporters argue it necessary for America's recovery following the pandemic.

Senators argued throughout the night over a significant number of amendments - nearly all from Republicans and all of which were rejected - and the bill was eventually approved by 50-49 votes on Saturday afternoon.

Read more: Joe Biden says US will be able to vaccinate all adults by end of May

It sets up final congressional approval by the US house of representatives next week so that congress can send it to Mr Biden for his signature.

"We tell the American people: help is on the way," said senate majority leader Chuck Schumer following the vote.

Citing the country's desire to return to normality, he added: "Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future."

Senators passed the Covid-19 recovery deal by 50-49 votes
Senators passed the Covid-19 recovery deal by 50-49 votes. Picture: PA Images

Saturday's vote was also a crucial political moment for the new Biden administration, which needed nothing short of party unity to win the vote slim.

A small group of moderate Democrats pushed changes in the bill that angered progressives, making it difficult for speaker Nancy Pelosi to guide the measure through the house.

The bill provides direct payments of up to $1,400 (£1,010) for most Americans, extended emergency unemployment benefits and vast spending for Covid-19 vaccines and testing in states, their schools and ailing industries, along with tax breaks to help lower-income households.

Read more: Biden inauguration 'step forward' for US after 'bumpy period'

The package faced tough opposition from Republicans, who labelled the package a wasteful spending spree for Democrats.

"The senate has never spent two trillion dollars in a more haphazard way," said senate minority leader Mitch McConnell.

Of the Democrats, he said: "Their top priority wasn't pandemic relief. It was their Washington wish list."

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell criticised Democrats for approving "haphazard" spending
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell criticised Democrats for approving "haphazard" spending. Picture: PA Images

The senate commenced a "vote-a-thon" - a continuous series of votes on amendments - shortly before midnight on Friday, and by the end had called around three dozen.

While vaccine supplies are growing in the US, deaths and caseloads have eased but remain frighteningly high.

Figures released this week show that hiring was surprisingly strong last month, though the economy remains 10 million jobs lighter than pre-pandemic levels.

The senate package was delayed repeatedly as Democrats made 11th-hour changes aimed at balancing demands by their competing moderate and progressive factions.

Work on the bill ground to a halt Friday after an agreement among Democrats on extending emergency jobless benefits seemed to collapse, with a compromise reached after 12 hours of negotiations.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
The incident happened at the Harbour

Police refuse to investigate NHS worker who filmed and shared video of naked patient

The new football regulator is set to be introduced

Football regulator to 'put fan voices front and centre', but Premier League warns against 'weakening competition'

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is said to have been chosen as the new James Bond actor

Aaron Taylor-Johnson 'chosen as new James Bond', with actor 'to sign deal to take over from Daniel Craig this week'

File photo of a dentist

Hardly any dentists think government's plan to fix NHS dentistry will work, survey finds

The Queen alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Revealed: Princess of Wales' photo of Queen Elizabeth II, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was also edited

Australia Cyber Safety

Google, Meta and others face questions in Australia over cyber extremism threats

United Nations Nuclear Weapons

US and Japan seek UN resolution banning nuclear weapons in outer space

Keir Starmer has doubled down on his calls for an election as soon as possible

Keir Starmer vows to 'fix broken Britain' as he repeats calls for general election as soon as possible

Harry and Meghan have been demoted on the site

Harry and Meghan's profiles 'downgraded' on Buckingham Palace website alongside Prince Andrew

The government saw off 10 amendments from peers to the Safety of Rwanda Bill

MPs reject Rwanda Bill amendments as Sunak faces fresh battle with Lords over migrant plan

Election 2024 Trump

‘Impossible’ for Trump to post civil fraud bond of £356m, say lawyers

Georgia Election Indictment Lawmakers

Trump seeks to appeal against decision not to disqualify DA in Georgia case

Mike Lynch court case

Fallen tech star Mike Lynch painted as fraud mastermind in Hewlett-Packard trial

Russia Crimea

Putin extends rule in Russian election after harshest crackdown since Soviet era

Vacationing Mom Toddler Death

Ohio woman given life after child died when she left her alone to go on holiday

The statue of Captain Tom was put up for auction

Life-size Captain Tom statue sells for over £3,000 after owner is forced to slash price and auction it off from 99p