As noted this morning, negotiators had been working to reach an agreement on the next COVID-19-related bill, scheduling a Senate session for this afternoon. A deal has officially been reached on the legislation.
The $484-billion measure includes, among other provisions:
- $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which ran out of money next week
- $75 billion for hospitals and other health care facilities
- $25 billion for expanded COVID-19 testing as well as the development of a national strategy
- $50 billion for SBA Economic Disaster Loans
- $10 billion for SBA Economic Injury Grants
The bill does not include any additional funds for states and localities.
Senate Democrats are calling this package an “interim” measure, fully expecting to take up a “Phase 4” bill later this spring.
The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4 PM EDT with the hopes of passing the bill by unanimous consent.