Currents News Staff
This legislation comes after detailed talks between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration.
It will be a helping hand for Americans dealing with the daily stress from the coronavirus pandemic.
“The economy is strong, the foundation of it, but the reality is there’s so many people impacted in the short term,” said Marc Short, Vice President Mike Pence’s Chief of Staff. “We need to make sure that action is taken quickly to give them the resources they need.”
The relief package passed by the House was then approved by the Senate and signed into law by President Trump March 18.
“I want to thank all Americans for pulling together, for coming together, for doing what they have to do,” said Trump. “It’s been incredible. It’s been inspirational.”
The legislation provides up to two weeks of paid leave for some workers.
There’s also a benefit — limited to 200-dollars per day — for employees with relatives who are affected by the disease.
“If there are going to be some of these corporate bailouts, we need to make sure workers and labor come first, that people are not laid off, that people’s salaries are not cut,” said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader.
Although some Senate Republicans were previously critical of the House’s legislation, they stressed the need to get aid to the public.
“Its imperfections will just make our more comprehensive bill even more urgent,” said Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader.
The Senate is now working on a “phase three” economic stimulus package related to the coronavirus outbreak.