WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a bill March 27 designed to provide $2.2 trillion to workers, small businesses and corporations harmed by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The president signed the bill hours after the U.S. House of Representatives passed it on a nearly unanimous voice vote.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was the only opponent of the financial package in the March 27 vote, on the grounds that it added to the deficit.
The Senate approved the financial package March 26 by a vote of 96-0.
Among other things, the coronavirus bill offers direct payments of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 to couples; a $500 billion lending program for large businesses, states, municipalities and non-profit organizations; and $350 billion in loans to businesses with fewer than 500 employees.