School, college and other closings for Monday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The House Budget Committee has approved legislation advancing President Biden's 

, setting a path for intense debate in the Senate.

The legislation is set for a vote on the House floor at the end of the week. The Senate is then expected to take up the legislation and attempt to modify it to ensure it can pass procedural hurdles while still satisfying all 50 Senate Democrats. 

Republicans have generally rejected the need for such a sweeping relief package. Many, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., say Congress should wait to see the economic impact of the relief measures that were approved in December. Democrats, including Biden, have insisted that more relief is needed now, particularly for lower-wage workers and people who have been unable to find new jobs in the pandemic. 

Mixed opinions on how to allocate Biden aid money

What's in Biden's plan to rescue the economy

White House press secretary Jen Psaki has told reporters that the legislation is aimed at helping people who are most at risk as the economy remains frozen by the virus.

But Senate Democrats remain split over some key elements, like a plan to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 over the next four years. Leaders are focused on working out any differences among Democrats before March 14, when current federal unemployment benefits are scheduled to expire. 

Here's a look at some of the more closely watched elements of the legislation.

Over the weekend, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, 

he was "confident" the Senate parliamentarian would determine that including such a measure falls within the strict rules of reconciliation. 

Biden has said he supports increasing the minimum wage, but is doubtful it can be passed through the Senate 

But even if the parliamentarian rules that the measure can be included, there are two moderate Democrat senators who will likely push back: Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. 

Business and Economic News

Politics and Government News

Health

COVID-19

Barbara Sprunt

Author

Kelsey Snell

The legislation is set for a vote on the House floor at the end of the week. The Senate is then expected to modify it to ensure it can pass procedural hurdles.

Here's what's in House Democrats' $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox