The US Congress passed a US$892 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in virus patients and deaths. The bill approved Monday night went to President Donald Trump for his signature, which was expected in the coming days. The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines US$892 billion in virus aid with a US$1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care.

Source: The Standard December 22, 2020 06:21 UTC