A $1.9 trillion U.S. coronavirus relief package took a step forward Saturday when the Senate voted 50–49 to approve a bill that will be sent back to the House of Representatives because the Senate changed the legislation originally approved by the House.
Known as the American Rescue Plan Act, H.R. 1319, the bill will be sent to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law if it passes the House without changes. Congress is under pressure to get Biden’s signature on the bill before legislation authorizing $300 a week in federal funds added to unemployment checks expires on March 14.