Skip to content
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell flashes a thumbs-up to the media Wednesday after speaking on the floor about the coronavirus stimulus package.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell flashes a thumbs-up to the media Wednesday after speaking on the floor about the coronavirus stimulus package. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

The Senate finally passed a $2 trillion economic relief bill last night by a vote of 96-0. It aims to help Americans thrown out of work when businesses shuttered to combat the virus’ spread. It contains an unprecedented expansion of unemployment benefits. 

Laid-off workers, as well as those who’ve lost substantial income because of the pandemic, will get an extra $600 a week, in addition to the standard unemployment benefit of about $400 per week, for up to four months. 

GOP senators wanted an amendment to reduce that benefit, saying it would, in some cases, mean laid-off workers would get more money than they had while they were working. It was rejected by a vote of 48-48.

Show notes:

Recent Stories

Biden, Trump visit Michigan in battle for union vote

Supreme Court allows process to redraw Alabama congressional map

Spending holdup risks US ties to key Pacific Island states

Data privacy law seen as needed precursor to AI regulation

Capitol Ink | DOJ EOI

How Anthony D’Esposito went from cop to GOP congressman in a Biden district