The Senate has passed an unparalleled USD 2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The unanimous vote came on late Wednesday despite misgivings on both sides about whether it goes too far or not far enough and capped days of difficult negotiations as Washington confronted a national challenge unlike it has ever faced.
The 880-page measure is the largest economic relief bill in US history. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, appeared somber and exhausted as he announced the vote and he released senators from Washington until April 20, though he promised to recall them if needed.
"The legislation now before us now is historic because it is meant to match a historic crisis,"said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY Our health care system is not prepared to care for the sick. Our workers are without work. Our businesses cannot do business. Our factories lie idle. The gears of the American economy have ground to a halt."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., swung behind the bipartisan agreement, saying it "takes us a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people."
"That Washington drama does not matter any more, McConnell said. "The Senate is going to stand together, act together, and pass this historic relief package today."