Home » House passes $2.2T rescue package, rushes it to Trump

House passes $2.2T rescue package, rushes it to Trump

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed and rushed to President Donald Trump a $2.2 trillion rescue package Friday, tossing a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press reported.

The House approved the bill by a voice vote with big majorities of both parties backing the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation’s history, the AP said. The relief program will deliver payments of up to $1,200 to millions of Americans, bolster unemployment benefits, offer loans, grants and tax breaks to businesses large and small and flush billions more to states, local governments and the nation’s all but overwhelmed health care system.

Trump said he would sign the measure immediately.

Passage came after Democratic and Republican leaders banded together and outmaneuvered Rep. Thomas Massie of Northern Kentucky, a maverick GOP lawmaker who tried forcing a roll call vote.

With many lawmakers scattered around the country and reluctant to risk flying back to the Capitol, that could have delayed approval indefinitely.