Senate Narrowly Passes Biden’s Pandemic Relief Plan

“The pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of American life, so this bill spans the gamut and provides support to every part of our country. For Americans who doubted that the government can help them in this time of crisis, you’ll be getting direct checks. Your schools will receive assistance to reopen quickly and safely. Your local businesses will get another lifeline. And the day when you receive the vaccine will be a lot sooner. The American Rescue Plan will go down as one of the most sweeping federal recovery efforts in history. Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future. And it starts with voting ‘aye’ on the legislation before us. Vote ‘yes’ on the American Rescue Plan.” “Voters gave Senate Democrats the slimmest possible majority. Voters picked a president who promised unity and bipartisanship. Democrats’ response is to ram through what they call, quote, ‘the most progressive domestic legislation in a generation’ on a razor-thin majority in both houses. We could have worked together to speed up victory, but our Democratic colleagues made a decision. Their top priority wasn’t pandemic relief. It was their Washington wish— wish list. So Mr. President and colleagues, I strongly recommend a ‘no’ vote.” “The yeas are 50. The nays are 49. The bill as amended is passed.”