‘More Help Is on the Way:’ Congress Strikes Deal on $900 Billion Relief Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced Congress reached a deal on a $900 billion relief package.

“BREAKING: As the American people continue battling the coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be on their own,” McConnell tweeted on Sunday.

He added, “Congress has just reached an agreement. We will pass another rescue package ASAP. More help is on the way.”

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement adding an outline of what is included in the package.

“Today, we have reached agreement with Republicans and the White House on an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package that delivers urgently needed funds to save the lives and livelihoods of the American people as the virus accelerates,” they wrote.

The lawmakers added, “We are going to crush the virus and put money in the pockets of the American people.”

The package includes direct payments of up to $600 per adult and child as well as an added $300 per week for unemployed Americans.

Pelosi and Schumer stressed the agreement does not include “several dangerous Republican proposals” including a provision “that could unjustly put the health of workers at risk and take away their legal recourse.”

They argued it also leaves out an “attempt to sabotage” the Biden administration’s “ability to stabilize the economy and save jobs.”

Pelosi and Schumer reiterated the agreement is crucial in assisting the American people through the pandemic.

“The emergency relief in this agreement, the second largest in history only to the CARES Act, is an important first step that Democrats look forward to building on under the new Biden-Harris administration to meet the remaining needs of the American people during this historic health and economic crisis,” they wrote.

The lawmakers concluded, “The House will move swiftly to pass this legislation immediately, so it can quickly be sent to the Senate and then to the President’s desk for his signature. With the horrifying acceleration of daily infections and deaths, there is no time to waste.”