The US House of Representatives yesterday overwhelmingly approved a $484-billion coronavirus relief bill to fund small businesses and hospitals and push the total spending response to the crisis to an nearly $3 trillion. The bill was passed by a vote of 388-5 as lawmakers, many wearing masks, met for the first time in weeks because of the pandemic.
The bill, the latest of four relief bills, was then sent to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature. The Republican-led Senate had passed the legislation on a voice vote on April 21.
The House of Representatives also approved a select committee, with subpoena power, to probe the US response to COVID-19. It will have broad powers to investigate how federal dollars are being spent, US preparedness and the deliberations of the Trump administration. Republicans, however, said there is no need for such a committee, citing existing oversight bodies, according to global newswires.
Congress passed the last coronavirus relief measure, worth more than $2 trillion, in March, also with overwhelming support from both parties.
Trump has said he supports more funding for states, and has promised to back it in future legislation. The
National Retail Federation (NRF) has welcomed US House action on legislation to increase funding for loans to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are many small retailers that won’t be in business by the time the economy reopens if these loans dry up. This funding will let them keep their workers on the payroll and help the economy avoid the ripple effects that will come if additional businesses cease to operate and more people lose their jobs. This is an important step on the path to recovery,” NRF president and chief executive officer Matthew Shay said.
The US House of Representatives yesterday overwhelmingly approved a $484-billion coronavirus relief bill to fund small businesses and hospitals and push the total spending response to the crisis to an nearly $3 trillion. The bill was passed by a vote of 388-5 as lawmakers, many wearing masks, met for the first time in weeks because of the pandemic.#
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