CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate’s amended budget resolution Friday, giving Congress the necessary opening for working on a coronavirus relief package.
The split Senate adopted the resolution Friday morning in a 51-50 vote along party lines. The House approved the measure 219-209 with all Republicans — including West Virginia’s David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Carol Miller — voting in opposition.
With the approval Friday, Democrats can use reconciliation to craft a relief bill that would not need GOP support.
The Senate could pass the measure with a simple majority rather than the typical 60 votes necessary for ending debate. Vice President Kamala Harris would have to provide a tie-breaking vote — as she did Friday — for the measure to pass.
Republicans used reconciliation in 2017 to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Legislators tried to pass a “skinny repeal” of former President Barack Obama’s health care law through the same process, but Senate Republicans could not unite as a simple majority.
President Joe Biden met with House Democratic leaders ahead of the chamber’s vote. The Biden administration has pitched a $1.9 trillion relief proposal, which includes $1,400 payments for most Americans, additional pandemic-related unemployment benefits, and funding for coronavirus vaccinations, schools, and local and state governments.
“On Monday, we will begin working on the specifics of the bills,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said outside of the White House. “Hopefully, in a two-week period of time, we’ll send something over to the Senate.”
Biden told CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell he is uncertain his plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 could be part of the final relief package because of Senate rules.
“My guess is it will not be in it,” the president said.
McKinley and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., introduced a bill Friday on direct payments; the Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act would provide each adult and dependent with $1,400. Payments would be smaller for individuals making more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000; amounts would decrease by $5 for every $100 over those thresholds.
“Today’s weak jobs report highlights how American families are struggling and need immediate relief. More than half of households have reported major financial challenges due to the economic and public health crisis,” McKinley said in a press release.
“By providing a third round of individual relief, millions of American families would receive the help they need. As Congress continues to negotiate additional COVID-19 relief measures, we must prioritize family-focused direct assistance to those who need it most.”
McKinley and Rochester introduced a similar bill in December regarding $1,000 relief payments.
Lawmakers have an unofficial deadline of March 14 to pass a relief plan; expanded unemployment benefits expire that day.