The Senate took its first major step Thursday toward passing Democrats’ $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package as lawmakers try to beat a deadline to prevent unemployment aid from expiring.
The chamber voted to start debate on the rescue package, setting the stage for its approval as soon as this weekend. Vice President Kamala Harris had to break a 50-50 tie after a party-line vote in the evenly divided Senate.
A tricky process awaits, as Senate Republicans who oppose more stimulus spending have tools at their disposal to delay a final vote on the 628-page bill by hours or even days.
- The procedural vote starts up to 20 hours of debate on the plan. Senators may not use all of that time.
- Debate will not immediately begin. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin forced Senate clerks to read the massive legislation out loud, which will take at least several hours. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the move would “merely delay the inevitable.”
- After the discussion period ends, the Senate will hold votes on an indefinite number of amendments to the bill as part of the budget reconciliation process that enables legislation to pass with a simple majority. Republicans are expected to use amendments to force Democrats into politically thorny votes and drag out the process.
“No matter how long it takes, the Senate is going to stay in session to finish the bill this week,” Schumer said on Thursday.
Reference: CNBC
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