The Senate’s version of President Biden’s massive COVID-19 relief bill matches the one passed by the House last week — mostly. But there are major differences. Here’s how the bill looks now.
- OUT: the House’s $100,000 stimulus ceiling — Senate bill eliminates the payout for single filers earning over $80,000 and couples over $160k
- OUT: House’s plan to increase the weekly amount to $400
- IN: $350 billion in aid to cash-strapped states and cities, plus a Senate-added $10 billion for local infrastructure projects
- OUT: no-strings rules on use of the aid; can only cover expenses incurred through 2024
- IN: $75 billion for pandemic medical costs like vaccinations and testing
- IN: an added $8.5 billion for rural medical providers
- IN: $129 billion for K-12 schools
- IN: increased child tax credits — $3,600 per child under age 6 and $3,000 per child up to age 17 — for parents earning less than $75k or couples earning under $150k
- IN: $200 million more for Amtrak, added to the $1.5 billion provided by the House
- OUT: $140 million for a California rail project near Nancy Pelosi’s district
- IN: $510 million more for FEMA to cover homeless services
- IN: new rule making future student loan forgiveness programs tax-free
