Biden's $2100 Trillion COVID Relief Plan 'American Rescue Plan' Passes Senate

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] U.S. President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion (approximately 2,100 trillion KRW) stimulus package to respond to the economic recession caused by COVID-19 has passed the Senate.

The U.S. Senate passed the stimulus package on the morning of the 5th (local time) in a full session with 51 votes in favor and 50 against, according to foreign media reports.

The U.S. Democratic Party, led by President Biden, intended to push through the $1.9 trillion vote, but 10 Republican senators opposed it due to concerns over increasing debt. They also proposed a counter-amendment worth $600 billion, urging to show the value of unity. The two parties continued discussions and votes on amendments for 15 hours starting the day before, but the vote was tied at 50 each.

In the vote, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat and the Senate President by right of office, cast the deciding vote for the first time since taking office, passing the bill with 51 votes. The budget will be sent to the House of Representatives for a final vote. Since the Democrats hold a majority with 221 out of 435 seats in the House, it is expected to pass there as well.

Earlier, President Biden called this COVID-19 stimulus plan the "America Rescue Plan" and expressed his determination to push it forward. The Democratic Party also announced that they would use budget reconciliation to pass the stimulus package unilaterally if necessary.