Top congressional leaders announce agreement on COVID-19 relief package, government funding bill

WASHINGTON  — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced via Twitter that Congress has reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief package.

Congress struck a deal on Sunday for a nearly $1 trillion package that includes a new round of direct payments and help for the unemployed, families and struggling businesses.

“More help is on the way,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. said Sunday evening. “Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders of the Senate and the House finalized an agreement.”

BREAKING: As the American people continue battling the coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be on their own.

Congress has just reached an agreement. We will pass another rescue package ASAP. More help is on the way.

— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) December 20, 2020

The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplement to unemployment, $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, subsidies for businesses, and funding for schools, health care providers, and renters facing eviction January 1.

This final agreement was reached after a breakthrough over Federal Reserve emergency powers. A vote is expected later Sunday or Monday.