Daily Digest for December 28, 2020 Posted at 6:45 a.m. by Sara Porter |
Good morning. President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Sunday. The bill includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits, The Associated Press reports.
When announcing the signing, Trump again shared his frustrations with the bill for including only $600 checks to most Americans instead of the $2,000 that his fellow Republicans rejected.
While the president said he would send Congress “a redlined version” with items to be removed under the rescission process, those are merely suggestions to Congress. The bill, as signed, would not necessarily be changed.
Because while the Democratic-led House supports the larger checks and is set to vote on the issue Monday, it's expected to be ignored by the Republican-held Senate where spending faces opposition.
Here are some highlights from the bill as it relates to COVID-19 relief:
Revives supplemental federal pandemic unemployment benefits but at $300 per week — through March 14 — instead of the $600 per week benefit that expired in July. Provides $600 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and couples making up to $150,000 per year — with payments phased out for higher incomes — with $600 additional payments per dependent child.Revives the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to qualified businesses.Delivers $54 billion to public K-12 schools affected by the pandemic and $23 billion for colleges and universities.Provides $10 billion to the Child Care Development Block Grant to help families with child care costs and help providers cover increased operating costs. Delivers more than $30 billion for procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, distribution funds for states, and a strategic stockpile. Increases stamp benefits by 15 percent for six months and provides funding to food banks, Meals on Wheels and other food aid. Provides an equal amount ($13 billion) to farmers and ranchers.Forgives a $10 billion loan to the Postal Service provided in earlier relief legislation. Read more here. |
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