The Senate passed the $1.9 Trillion coronavirus package Saturday afternoon 50-49. The package included a $1,400 stimulus payment and $350 billion to cities and states.
Sen Dan Sullivan (R-AK) was absent due to a family emergency.
The bill will return to the House of Representatives to start reconciliation before the House votes again on any modifications. The 221 House Democrats will determine the final fate of President Joe Biden’s promises.
Amendments made by the Senate are a $300 federal unemployment benefit extended through August 2021. The House sought to increase the benefits to $400 per week.
Seven Democrats senators joined all Senate Republicans voting against Sen Sander’s (D-VT) proposal to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Other items on the Democrat’s wish list: funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), more Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) subsidies, rent relief, paid sick leave, and paid family leave.