US Senate passes US$2 trillion bill for coronavirus

Historic aid: The US Capitol building stands illuminated in Washington. The US Senate’s rescue plan includes a US$500bil fund to help hard-hit industries and a direct payment of up to US$3,000 per family. — Bloomberg

WASHINGTON: The United States Senate on Wednesday unanimously backed a US$2 trillion bill aimed at helping unemployed workers and industries hurt by the coronavirus epidemic, as well as providing billions of dollars to buy urgently needed medical equipment.

After bitter negotiations, the deeply divided Senate came together and passed the bill by a 96-0 vote, which sent the massive stimulus package to the House of Representatives for a vote on Friday.