House Democrats Unveil $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Plan

House Democrats unveiled the 591-page text of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package on Friday, which includes $1,400 direct payments, an extension of $400 federal unemployment benefits, and $350 billion in aid to state and local governments. Though Democrat leaders such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said they expect their party-led chambers to pass the bill within the next few weeks, the Senate expects some division over certain aspects of the bill such as a proposal to raise the federal minimum wage. The House Budget Committee plans to meet Monday to go over the legislation. Coverage from the left and center tended to focus on the contents of the bill, and provide analysis and predictions about it. Some voices from the right criticized the bill, saying it could slow economic recovery in the long run and prevent “the expanding economy from reaching low-wage workers.”