Top Congressional Leaders Reach COVID Relief Deal

Sen. Mitch McConnell says 'More help is on the way'
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 20, 2020 5:15 PM CST
Top Congressional Leaders Reach COVID Relief Deal
In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., walks past reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Congressional leaders announced Sunday that a COVID relief bill is in the bag, the New York Times reports. "We can finally report what our nation has needed to hear for a very long time: More help is on the way," said Sen. Mitch McConnell. With just hours left before the feds ran out of money, the House and Senate came to terms on a $900 billion stimulus package that will include direct payments along with support for schools, hospitals, businesses, and vaccine distribution. Once on paper, the agreement will be fused with a bigger spending measure to keep America running for the rest of the fiscal year. Cost: $2.3 trillion.

Sources tell the Washington Post that many Americans will receive $600 stimulus checks, but the number will be lower for those who banked over $75,000 the preceding year—a similar arrangement to the last stimulus checks. Looks like Congress will also continue unemployment benefits reaching up to $300 per week, possibly starting Dec. 27. Final numbers are yet to come, and McConnell said lawmakers just need to "promptly finalize text" as they "avoid any last-minute obstacles." (More COVID relief bill stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X