US Congress seals agreement on $900 billion COVID relief bill

After months of Washington gridlock, US Congress is set to act on a $900 billion pandemic relief package, finally delivering long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The relief package, agreed to on Sunday and expected to draw votes in Congress on Monday, would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.

House and Senate leaders plan votes for Monday, but the measure is still being finalized. Lawmakers are eager to leave Washington and close out a tumultuous year.

— AP