Congress Agrees to $900 Billion Stimulus Package, $600 Relief Checks

Congressional leaders reached a deal for a $900 billion stimulus package late on Sunday (December 20) evening. The bill includes $600 direct payments to adults and their dependents, along with $300 in enhanced unemployment for the next 10 weeks. Individuals must make less than $75,000 a year or $150,000 for couples to apply for the stimulus checks. 

Other things included in the package is $25 billion in direct rental assistance. The eviction moratorium has also been extended until January 31, which is the same day the moratorium on student loan payments ends. $82 billion will go toward education funding, $45 billion for public transit systems, and $13 billion for increased food stamps and child nutrition benefits. $12 billion will go to minority-owned or very small businesses, and $15 billion will go toward theater operators and small venue owners through Save our Stages Act.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that he's hopeful president-elect Joe Biden "will be able to focus the American people's attention on a Senate, the Republican members of the Senate, who are obstructing, getting in the way of, what they need." Both Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated that they're confident that the Biden administration will help get more legislative relief in the future.

Source: CBS News