Hill leaders reach $900 billion Covid relief deal in breakthrough following partisan disputes

Washington CNN — Congressional leaders announced Sunday night that they have secured a deal for a sweeping $900 billion rescue package to deliver much-needed relief for small businesses, unemployed Americans and health care workers while bolstering vaccine distribution. In a joint statement on the deal, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “We are going to crush the virus and put money in the pockets of the American people.” The full details of what will be in the relief package have yet to be released. The House will vote on Monday on the final Covid relief package along with the $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill for a new fiscal year, according to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who relayed that message to Democrats on a caucus call, sources said. What’s in the relief deal Here are key provisions that will be included as part of the agreement, according to a release Sunday evening from House and Senate Democratic leaders: Direct payment checks of up to $600 per adult and child Aid for struggling small businesses, including more than $284 billion for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans and $15 billion “in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions” $300 per week for enhanced unemployment insurance benefits $25 billion for rental assistance and an eviction moratorium extension $82 billion for education providers like schools and colleges, including aid to help reopen classrooms safely $10 billion to help with child care assistance $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and child nutrition benefits $7 billion to bolster broadband access to help Americans connect remotely during the pandemic Funding totaling in the billions of dollars to support coronavirus vaccine distribution, testing and contract tracing efforts and health care workers A tax credit “to support employers offering paid sick leave” What’s next A number of procedural steps still need to take place to clear the way for a vote in both chambers, with the potential to further slow the process.