The Senate could vote as early as 4 p.m. today to approve $470 billion coronavirus rescue bill that includes $310 billion to replenish the small business forgivable loan program.
The House would take up the deal on Thursday but need unanimous consent to move the bill since most House members are not in Washington.
President Donald Trump said today that he would sign the legislation.
The deal will also boost spending on hospitals by $75 billion and $25 billion for testing and contact tracing. The $25 billion for testing and contact trading would include $11 billion for states.
Democrats failed in their efforts to get money for states being crushed by the virus and shelter in place rules. That has been left to the next coronavirus bill. President Trump has said he supports providing money to states. On Twitter he said he would also like the next package to include “much needed Infrastructure Investments for Bridges, Tunnels, Broadband, Tax Incentives for Restaurants, Entertainment, Sports, and Payroll Tax Cuts to increase Economic Growth.”
At this time, it’s not clear what the language in the bill will say about how testing would be conducted. Democrats are looking for a commitment for a national strategy for testing.
