House Approves $2.2 Trillion CCP Virus Relief Bill, Trump Poised to Sign

In this image from video, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Texas), left, and Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) stand as they speak on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 27, 2020. House Television via AP

The House of Representatives on Friday passed a $2.2 trillion CCP virus relief bill, two days after the Senate passed the measure.

President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly praised the package, is expected to sign it later today.

Despite support from both parties, drama unfolded in Washington because Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) announced his intention to try to force expanded voting on the bill. His call for a recorded vote failed because of insufficient support and a subsequent call for a quorum failed because a majority of lawmakers were already present after members flew in across the country following word of Massie’s attempt late Thursday.

The package was thus passed on voice vote, with the ayes outnumbering the nays.

In this May 28, 2019 file photo, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol after he blocked a unanimous consent vote on a long-awaited hurricane disaster aid bill in the chamber. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

Massie said he wanted to make sure “the Republic doesn’t die by unanimous consent in an empty chamber.” Many Republicans opposed the move, including Trump, who called Massie a “third rate Grandstander.”

Because the vote wasn’t recorded, it wasn’t clear who voted which way, but the shout-outs sounded resoundingly in favor of the package. Lawmakers across the chamber applauded after the announcement.

Social distancing measures forced members to spread out in the chamber, with some viewing the proceedings from the visitor’s gallery. Others weren’t present, being either in transit to Washington or remaining in their home states.

Both Democratic and Republican leadership said they supported the bill, which originated in the House but underwent changes in the Senate before lawmakers there passed it unanimously on Wednesday night.

Trump on Thursday night told reporters that he was “profoundly grateful that both parties came together to provide relief for American workers and families in this hour of need,” highlighting a number of aspects of the legislation.

In this image from video, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 27, 2020. House Television via AP

The unprecedented $2.2 trillion package that stretches across 880 pages includes one-time payments of $1,200 to any American making less than $75,000 a year and $2,400 to married couples making up to $150,000.

Parents would receive $500 per child.

Individuals or couples making over the limits will still get money, but payments will be reduced by $5 for each $100 over the threshold they make.

The limits are tied to 2019 tax returns or, if they’re not available, 2018 tax returns. People who didn’t file returns can use other forms such as a Social Security Benefit Statement.

Industrial firm employees manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like face shields, to supply New York's health care workers and hospitals at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio visits in New York City on March 26, 2020. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

The bill designates $250 billion for extending unemployment insurance, both to more workers and for more time, $349 billion for loans for small businesses, $200 billion in tax assistance to small businesses, over $100 billion for hospitals and the healthcare system, and $58 billion for airlines.

Congress is planning additional bills after the package, the third passed addressing the impact of the CCP virus, congressional leaders said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said the next piece of legislation could include free virus testing and treatment. Asked if the administration thinks a so-called phase four package is necessary and, if so, what should be in it, Vice President Mike Pence demurred on specifics, telling reporters in Washington on Thursday, “What the President has made clear to our governors: We’re going to do whatever it takes.”

The administration is already evaluating requests from some governors for additional resources and congressional leadership, along with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has indicated a willingness to consider the requests.

The Epoch Times refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China before it was transmitted worldwide.