China News Service, Washington, March 6 (Reporter Sha Hanting) The U.S. Senate voted on the 6th local time to pass a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan in response to the economic impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic.

  After more than 24 hours of continuous deliberation, the Senate passed the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan with 50 votes in favor and 49 against at noon on the 6th.

The results of the vote were drawn entirely according to party affiliation, with 50 Democrats voted for, 49 Republicans voted against, and one Republican was absent.

  The economic stimulus plan passed this time includes granting US$1,400 per person in subsidies to eligible Americans; providing weekly unemployment benefits of US$300; ​​injecting US$14 billion into the new crown vaccination program; providing US$46 billion for new crown virus testing And the tracking of infected persons; provide 350 billion US dollars for state and local governments; 130 billion US dollars for the reopening of schools; 25 billion US dollars in aid for enterprises affected by the epidemic.

  Democratic congressmen believe that the economic stimulus plan is a "save the United States plan" that will help the United States overcome the epidemic and restore the economy.

Republican lawmakers believe that the plan is “too expensive and too blind” and not necessary.

  After the vote, Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Schumer said that the plan is "the most important aid program in decades to help the poor and working people." "It is not easy to pass such a huge and important budget, but we have completed it. Task".

  Senate Minority Leader and Republican Congressman McConnell said that the Senate has never "so recklessly" approved a $2 trillion budget.

He accused the Democrats of not responding to the epidemic, but of completing their "Washington Wish List."

  Compared with the previous version of the House of Representatives, this version of the Senate reduced the unemployment fringe benefit from $400 to $300 and extended the benefit period to September 6.

There are also stricter restrictions on the recipients of the grant of 1,400 US dollars, that is, individuals with an annual income of more than 80,000 US dollars and married couples with an annual income of more than 160,000 US dollars will not be eligible for this subsidy.

In addition, the Senate voted on the 5th to reject the House of Representatives version of the plan to increase the statutory federal minimum wage from 7.25 US dollars per hour to 15 US dollars.

  Next, the House of Representatives will vote on the version passed by the Senate next week, which will be submitted to U.S. President Biden for signing into law.

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