Congressional leaders reach agreement on pandemic relief: $ 600 direct payments, unemployment extension | New

The deal, announced by Senate leaders, would establish temporary additional unemployment benefits of $ 300 per week and direct stimulus payments of $ 600 to most Americans, as well as a new round of hard-hit business subsidies. affected and money for schools, health care providers and tenants facing eviction.

The House was due to vote on the legislation on Monday, a spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md said.

The House would pass a one-day interim spending bill to avoid a government shutdown at midnight on Sunday.

The Senate was also due to vote on Monday. Lawmakers were eager to leave Washington and end a tumultuous year.

“We can finally report what our nation has needed to hear for a very long time. More help is on the way, ”Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Said in the Senate.

According to senators, the program would allow an additional 11 weeks of compensation for unemployed Americans, and would also add $ 300 per week to what they receive under their state unemployment program.