There’s only one more step for the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill to be signed into law, after the Senate’s version of the bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill, called the American Rescue Plan, will now be sent to President Joe Biden, and it is expected to be signed before this weekend.
Even though it’s not known exactly when the relief bill will be signed, President Biden said he would sign it “as soon as I get it,” according to The Hill.
The legislation funds many supportive services for the millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Important supportive services getting funding include:
- Emergency Rental Assistance
Funds will go to state and local emergency rental assistance programs to help struggling renters pay their bills. - Stimulus Check
Most Americans will receive a $1,400 stimulus check from the U.S. government. More information can be found here. - Unemployment Benefits
Those receiving unemployment benefits will have their weekly amount raised by $300 until September 6, 2021. - Food Assistance
There will be a 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the end of September. - Child Tax Credits
The credit has been expanded to up to $3,600 per child. - Local Aid
$350 billion will be given to state and local governments. Funding will be used to help keep frontline workers on the job, distribute vaccines, reopen schools, and provide other related efforts.
The bill was passed by a House vote of 220-211. No Republicans voted for the bill’s approval, and one Democrat — Representative Jared Golden of Maine — also voted against it.
An in-depth summary of what services are being provided, and who they help will be published soon.
