LyrArc Article Gist
Passage through Congress of the $1.9 trillion relief bill is expected with a close vote as some Democrats in the House of Representatives oppose the concessions made on the minimum wage and reducing jobless benefits to $300 instead of $400 a week. Senator Manchin, Democrat of West Virginia asked for these concessions in the Senate, saying he would join the Republicans if these concessions were not made. This shows how close the vote is in the Senate which voted 50 to 49  to pass the Biden bill.

Overall the bill does much to bring relief to Americans suffering from the effects on income from the coronavirus, and supports local governments. It funds more vaccination sites and more vaccination teams. Unemployment benefits are extended from March 14 to September 6 at $300 a week. About 85% of the population qualifies for a one time cheque of $ 1400. It also increases rent support for struggling tenants and includes $510 million for the homeless. State and local governments can now rehire1.3 million employees using $350 billion in federal aid.