Sending Relief: House of Representatives passes Biden’s pandemic aid package to the Senate

President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan was passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 27 in a 219 to 212 vote. Biden’s pandemic aid package aims to help support people affected by COVID-19 as well as boost the economy through stimulus checks and mass distribution of coronavirus vaccinations.

The plan includes a $1,400 payment to people earning less than $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 annually. In addition, the weekly federal unemployment benefit will be increased from $300 to $400 a week until the end of August. $350 billion will be allocated to state, local and tribal governments, nearly $200 billion to primary and secondary schools and over $50 billion for vaccine distribution and testing. 

Biden’s original proposal also included increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 instead of the current $7.25, but was ruled out of order as it doesn’t qualify under the strict budgetary rules for reconciliation bills. Senate Democrats are searching for alternatives that would still maintain a wage increase in the stimulus package.

The legislation was majorly opposed by House Republicans, who argue that the plan is too costly. The Bill will now go to the Senate for more revision, and the Democrats are hoping to get it signed by March 14.