Congress finally passes $900 billion COVID relief package
Late Monday night, December 21st 2o2o, the Senate voted on a $900 billion dollar relief package which passed 91-7.
After months of debate and partisan demands, the relief package will provide another round of stimulus checks for $600 per adult for certain income thresholds. It will also provide an additional $300 per week for unemployment benefits. According to an NPR News article, the package will further include $25 million for rental assistance and extend the ban on evictions.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive $13 billion to continue giving to families who are in need of food supplies.
Furthermore, the package has $300 billion going to small businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program. An additional $68 million was added to the package for the distribution of the COVID vaccine and to continue testing for COVID-19.
Many are calling this a Christmas miracle because usually members of congress want to go home for their Christmas break so Washington DC becomes very polarized.

Nick Anderson ('21) is a senior at Sartell-St. Stephen High School. He is in both band and choir. He enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with his family.