U.S. President Joe Biden had his first legislative win as the House of Representatives passed his $1.9 trillion US coronavirus relief package early Saturday, though Democrats faced challenges to their hopes of using the bill to raise the minimum wage. Democrats said the package was needed to fight a pandemic that has killed more than 500,000 Americans and thrown millions out of work. "The American people need to know that their government is there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in 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. At least two Senate Democrats oppose it, along with most Republicans.

Source: CBC News February 27, 2021 13:41 UTC