2021-02-27t161701z_2023168065_rc241m9ihkoq_rtrmadp_3_health-coronavirus-usa-congress.jpg US President Joe Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington after the House of Representatives passed his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. "The American people need to know that their government is there for them," Pelosi said in a debate on the House floor. The House vote amounted to a successful first test for Democrats, who hold a narrow 221-211 majority in the chamber. The House-passed bill would raise the national hourly minimum wage for the first time since 2009, to $15 from $7.25. At least two Senate Democrats oppose it, along with most Republicans.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 27, 2021 19:30 UTC