Congress has passed a $484bn economic relief package for small businesses, hospitals and coronavirus testing, sending the US government’s fourth stimulus bill since the outbreak to Donald Trump for his signature.
The House of Representatives voted 388-5 for the measure, with overwhelming support from both parties. On Tuesday the bill passed the Senate by a voice vote, a move that allowed only a small number of senators to be present during voting.
The bill allocates an additional $320bn for the Paycheck Protection Program, a rescue fund for small businesses, after the scheme’s initial $350bn in funding ran out in record time. The programme was initially approved as part of an earlier $2.2tn economic relief package.