Senate passes Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, but what does that mean for us?

The Senate officially passed the long-awaited $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, but what does that mean for working everyday citizens?

In the bill 85% of American households can expect $1,400 per person, and a middle-class family of four will get $5,600.

“This nation has suffered too much for much too long, and everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation,” said  President Joe Biden. 

Additional provisions in the bill include an additional $300 weekly jobless benefits through September 6, a child allowance of up to $3,600 per family, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, and $14 billion for vaccine distribution. Other provisions include $510 million for FEMA and $750 million for states and communities impacted by job and revenue loss in the tourism, travel and outdoor recreation sectors. Education provisions include $1.25 billion for evidence-based summer enrichment, $1.25 billion for after-school programs and $3 billion for education technology and tax-free COVID-19 student loan relief.

But not so fast! The House will still have to vote to amend legislation on Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, the House will consider the Senate’s amended version of the American Rescue Plan, so that we can send this bill to President Biden for his signature early next week,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md) said in a statement.

The biggest difference between the House and Senate bill is the federal minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. There is also the jobless benefit supplement, which is currently at $300 a week as opposed to the House wanting $400 a week.

“The House now hopes to have a bipartisan vote on this life-saving legislation and urges Republicans to join us in recognition of the devastating reality of this vicious virus and economic crisis and of the need for decisive action,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Once again, the American people are left waiting for much-needed assistance while the government negotiates on our behalf when the majority of them couldn’t begin to understand the hardships that many of us face.

Sigh… and so we wait.