Barrasso: Coronavirus Relief Is On The Way

After much back and forth between Congressional Democrats and Republicans, a new coronavirus relief package was approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives on Monday.

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Ellen Fike

December 22, 20202 min read

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U.S. Sen. John Barrasso is welcoming approval of a new coronavirus relief package that will send checks for $600 to most Americans.

After much back and forth between congressional Democrats and Republicans, a new coronavirus relief package was approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives on Monday.

President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill this week.

Barrasso, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued a statement after voting to send a coronavirus relief bill to the president’s desk.

“Coronavirus relief is on the way for the people of Wyoming and America. I am glad the Democrats put aside their partisan demands and joined us in helping families across the country,” he said. “Congress is delivering help so children can get back to school and workers at small businesses continue to get their paychecks.”

He added that Congress would be sending a second round of stimulus checks to most Americans, totaling $600 per person in the household.

“Congress is sending a second round of direct payment checks, as well as making sure the vaccine is fully distributed,” Barrasso said. “The vaccine, with help for families and small businesses, is how we put the virus behind us for good.”

Some key provisions in the relief bill include:

• $284 billion to reopen a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
• Simplified forgiveness process for PPP loans under $150,000
• Ensures that eligible expenses paid with PPP loans are tax-deductible
• Extends the deadline for state and local governments to use coronavirus relief funds that were allocated in the CARES Act through Dec. 31, 2021
• Provides immediate financial assistance to families in the form of stimulus checks
• $69 billion for vaccines and testing
• $20 billion to buy vaccines and therapies
• $8.75 billion to distribute vaccine
• $3 billion for Strategic National Stockpile
• $82 billion for education and schools

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Ellen Fike

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