Senate passed coronavirus relief package

The Senate on Tuesday passed a projected $480 billion coronavirus relief package that provides more funding to help businesses and provides money for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.

The House is expected to vote Thursday on the legislation.

The legislation provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which had been depleted. Republicans previously wanted to approve additional funding for the program without any extras, but Democrats did not agree. Republicans agreed to include provisions for hospitals and virus testing as the need for those became clear, the Wall Street Journal reported citing unidentified congressional aides.

Earlier in the day, President Trump called for both chambers of Congress to pass the legislation.

Sen. Rand Paul believes Congress should engage in remote voting if they are not going to return to session, but his proposal for remote voting was blocked. Sen. Paul did not prevent the Senate from passing the package on Tuesday.