Senate Passes Virus Aid Bill Providing Sick Leave, Free Testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate approved a coronavirus aid package Wednesday that will provide sick leave benefits to workers, free testing and other measures intended to bring relief to Americans struggling in the wake of the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak.

Politico reported the measure passed with a 90-8 vote.

Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal with the President Donald Trump administration for a congressional aid package aiming to provide direct relief to Americans. The bill included free testing, two weeks of sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs.

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The bill was passed by the House on Saturday morning.

Next on Congress' agenda will likely be a proposed economic stimulus plan by the U.S. Treasury officials, who hope to earmark $500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month. The payments are the centerpiece of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy as the coronavirus epidemic threatens taxpayers and businesses.

In a memorandum, treasury officials proposed two $250 billion cash infusions to individuals: a first set of checks issued starting April 6, with a second wave in mid-May. The amounts would depend on income and family size, the Associated Press reported.

The plan also recommends $50 billion to stabilize the airlines, $150 billion to issue loan guarantees to other struggling sectors, and $300 billion to for small businesses.

The plan will require approval by Congress.

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