Airport Alert: Lawmakers Reach Deal on Coronavirus Relief Package
March 25, 2020
Senate leaders early this morning announced that they have finally reached an agreement on a massive coronavirus relief package that is expected to include federal assistance to help airports and airlines that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Just after 1:30 a.m., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced the agreement on the Senate floor.
"We have a deal," McConnell said. "After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on an historic relief package for this pandemic."
Schumer called the agreement "the largest rescue package in American history." He went on to say that bill includes Democrats' goals of ushering in a "Marshall Plan for public health workers and hospitals on the front lines and putting workers first."
McConnell ended his comments by saying the Senate is going to pass the legislation later today. The Senate reconvenes today at noon. After leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the coronavirus relief package.
After the Senate clears the measure, all eyes will be on House, which has been in recess this week. We expect leaders in that chamber will to try to pass the bill by unanimous consent and avoid bringing lawmakers back for an up-or-down vote.
While the legislative text detailing the specifics of the agreement have yet to emerge, the key components of the package are expected to include: airport and airline relief; direct payments to individuals; loans to distressed industries, cities and states; a boost to unemployment benefits; state and local stimulus; and assistance to hospitals.
We will have details out on the final airport provisions and other pertinent pieces as soon as possible.
Senate leaders early this morning announced that they have finally reached an agreement on a massive coronavirus relief package that is expected to include federal assistance to help airports and airlines that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Just after 1:30 a.m., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced the agreement on the Senate floor.
"We have a deal," McConnell said. "After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on an historic relief package for this pandemic."
Schumer called the agreement "the largest rescue package in American history." He went on to say that bill includes Democrats' goals of ushering in a "Marshall Plan for public health workers and hospitals on the front lines and putting workers first."
McConnell ended his comments by saying the Senate is going to pass the legislation later today. The Senate reconvenes today at noon. After leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to the coronavirus relief package.
After the Senate clears the measure, all eyes will be on House, which has been in recess this week. We expect leaders in that chamber will to try to pass the bill by unanimous consent and avoid bringing lawmakers back for an up-or-down vote.
While the legislative text detailing the specifics of the agreement have yet to emerge, the key components of the package are expected to include: airport and airline relief; direct payments to individuals; loans to distressed industries, cities and states; a boost to unemployment benefits; state and local stimulus; and assistance to hospitals.
We will have details out on the final airport provisions and other pertinent pieces as soon as possible.
