Congress approves massive COVID-19 stimulus, spending bill after months of gridlock

President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, opening the door for stimulus checks to be mailed out as early as next week.

By Just the News staff

Published: December 21, 2020 9:48pm

Updated: December 21, 2020 11:59pm

Ending months of gridlock with rapid fire votes, Congress on Monday night overwhelmingly approved a $2.3 trillion bipartisan package that combined COVID-19 relief and stimulus with enough money to fund the government through next September.

The Senate voted 91-7 shortly before midnight to send the 5,593-page bill to President Trump for his signature.

The bill includes $600 stimulus checks for people earning less than $75,000 per year, plus an additional $600 per child. It also includes a $300-a-week supplemental unemployment insurance and authorizes $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans to small businesses.

It further includes $25 billion to help families pay rent, and it extends a moratorium on evictions.

Other features of the legislation include $15 billion in aid for movie theaters and live performance venues, and $7 billion to increase broadband access.

Earlier Monday evening, the bill passed the House in two parts, by votes of 327-85 and 359-53.

The votes were among the last items of business as Congress wrapped up its term.