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Congress approves $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, with millions allocated for foreign aid

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cash stimulus for coronavirus

Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night. Despite claims that this is an emergency package for Americans, a significant portion of funds is going towards foreign aid.

For example, Pakistan is set to receive up to $15 million for “democracy programs” and $10 million for “gender programs” and Sri Lanka will receive up to $15 million “for the refurbishing of a high endurance cutter,” a type of patrol boat.

Other countries set to receive aid include Vietnam, Afghanistan, Nepal, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador, Curacao, Trinidad, Tobago, Venezuela, Georgia and Ukraine.

Despite criticism from many Americans, the bill is expected to be signed by President Trump in the coming days.

The 5,593-page legislation — the longest bill ever passed — has been in negotiations for months.

The COVID-19 relief bill focuses on extending unemployment for Americans, providing stimulus checks and boosting small businesses.

The $900 billion relief package includes $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans, $25 billion in rental assistance, extension of eviction moratorium, $82 billion for schools, an additional $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and billions more for additional programs.

The bill contains $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $10 billion for child care and $68 billion to purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines and help states conduct testing.

Lawmakers also agreed to provide $45 billion in transportation-related assistance, including $16 billion for airlines to pay the salaries of workers and contractors, $14 billion for mass transit agencies, $10 billion for highways and $1 billion for Amtrak.

$13 billion will be provided to farmers and agriculture, including money under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program for growers and livestock, dairy and poultry producers.

Read the bill in full here.

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Economy

Gallup poll: GOP holds large advantage over Dems in economy, national security

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A recent Gallup poll shows Americans overwhelmingly have faith in Republicans over Democrats when it comes to the economy. In fact, the GOP “holists largest advantage on the economy in over 30 years, with 53% of Americans trusting Republicans more than Democrats on the issue” writes the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The poll holds Republicans at a 14-point lead over Democrats for handling the economy better. “The GOP scored 10 points higher on the economy than last year, marking the largest margin between the two parties since 1991.”

Gallup’s publication of the poll is titled ‘Neither Party Well-Liked, but GOP Holds Advantage on Issues.’ It may not be a shock that “The two major political parties remain unpopular in the U.S., with 56% of Americans viewing the Republican Party unfavorably and 58% saying the same of the Democratic Party” but the GOP holds “historically ample leads.”

“Fifty-three percent of Americans believe the Republican Party will do a better job of keeping the country prosperous over the next few years, whereas 39% choose the Democratic Party.”

“A slightly larger majority, 57%, have greater faith in the Republican Party to protect the country from international terrorism and military threats, while 35% favor the Democrats.”

 

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