House Democrats on Friday voted for the next wave of coronavirus relief, this time the biggest yet: a $3 trillion relief package with funding for states, cities, and another round of stimulus checks for Americans.
The sweeping legislation also includes an extension on unemployment benefits through January 2021—$200 billion in hazard pay for essential workers, $75 billion for COVID-19 testing and treatment, and $175 billion in housing assistance. The biggest chunk of change comes from the $1 trillion that will be set aside for state and local governments facing budget shortfalls. That includes Texas, which will receive $35 billion in funding according to a Congressional Research Service estimate.
The bill passed the House in a 208-199 vote, with most Texas Republicans either voting against the bill or skipping the vote. Curiously, Reps. Chip Roy and Michael McCaul, two House lawmakers facing some of the most competitive races this cycle, both voted no on the bill.
Several Democrats, led by co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), voted against the bill, citing concerns that it did not go far enough in providing funding for small business or guarantee healthcare to Americans who have gone unemployed.
The bill will now head to the Senate, where Republicans have signaled the bill is dead on arrival.
Photo: Aurora Samperio/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email at fernando@texassignalarchive.com
