Earlier today, Congressional negotiators and President Donald Trump reached a tentative agreement on an additional coronavirus care package that would be roughly $480 billion and include relief for small businesses, hospitals, and test expansion.
According to Senate minority leader Charles Schumer, the deal will appropriate $320 billion for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. It will also set aside $25 billion for COVID-19 test expansion and $75 billion for hospitals.
President Trump went to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon in order to urge the House and Senate to pass the legislation.
….to State/Local Governments for lost revenues from COVID 19, much needed Infrastructure Investments for Bridges, Tunnels, Broadband, Tax Incentives for Restaurants, Entertainment, Sports, and Payroll Tax Cuts to increase Economic Growth.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020
The bill can only be passed through unanimous consent from the Senate, which will meet this afternoon. If the Senate passes it today, the House will more than likely vote on the piece of legislation come Thursday.
United States Senator Roger Wicker firmly believes the Senate will pass the bill. However, the senator from Mississippi hopes this is the final care package the federal government will have to provide before reopening the economy.
“We expect an agreement this afternoon,” Wicker said. “I hope this is enough, and then, I hope we can get the economy going.”
