US: Coronavirus relief bill approved by Senate with Kamala Harris acting as tie-breaker

United States Senate on Friday passed ambitious $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill with Vice President Kamala Harris acting as a tie-breaker to help Democrats forward crucial pack on ir own. Senate passed bill without any support from Republicans as Harris cast final vote as Chair of House after a tie with 50 votes each from eir side. bill was later passed in Democrat-controlled House, where it went again as Senate made some changes. 

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Biden's rescue plan

President Joe Biden had anunced American Rescue Plan last month to provide bigger stimulus checks, more funding for vaccinations, additional support for businesses, among or things. After a bill with only $600 as stimulus payments was passed late last year during former President Donald Trump's rule, Biden promised to increase cheques to up to $2,000, which he did in $1.9 trillion pack. rescue plan also includes increased funding for ongoing vaccination drive in country with an aim to expedite campaign. 

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Despite disapproval from Republicans, Senate made some amendments to bill with bipartisan support such as support for restaurants across country, an industry hit-hard by pandemic. Ar amendment that received bipartisan support was to block "upper-income" citizens from receiving stimulus cheques. w, that bill has been approved by both Houses of US Congress, it will go to House committees who will reconcile bill and send it for ar vote. Reconciliation is a process in United States Congress, which applies to budgetary bills.  

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Republicans were primarily opposed to increase in minimum-w of Americans to $15 per hour. Senate adopted an amendment pushed by Republican Senator Joni Ernst to block increase of minimum w. However, change could be restored when in final bill after reconciliation. 

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(Im Credit: AP)