On Thursday the Senate failed to pass the most recent slimmed down coronavirus relief bill by a vote of 52-47. 60 votes were needed for the bill to pass.
Many of the benefits from the CARES Act ran out at the end of July including small business assistance, enhanced unemployment aid, and eviction protections, adding additional strain to millions of struggling Americans. Labor Department data shows that approximately 29 million Americans received some type of jobless aid last week.
Democrats and Republicans have both proposed relief packages, but haven’t been able to reach an agreement.
The most recent GOP bill included money for small businesses, coronavirus testing, schools, and $300 in enhanced weekly unemployment benefits. It did not include a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks, even though both sides, including the White House, support it.