Senate passes coronavirus aid package
The Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve a bipartisan spending package aimed at alleviating some of the harshest economic effects caused by the spread of COVID-19.
Originating in the Democratic House, the bill includes paid sick leave, unemployment benefits, free COVID-19 testing, and other food and medical aid. President Trump is expected to sign the package into law. Eight Republican senators voted against the bill even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) advised them to "gag and vote for it anyway."
White House and GOP priorities, including bailouts for the airline industry and possibly direct payments to Americans, are expected in another aid package. In comments after the bill passed Wednesday, McConnell made it clear the Senate would stay in session until this "phase three" bill was passed.
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Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
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