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House passes stimulus bill amid the coronavirus outbreak, provides sick leave to workers

Posted at 7:26 AM, Mar 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-14 13:01:51-04

WASHINGTON — The House has approved legislation to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic.

The action comes after President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, then threw his support behind the congressional package.

Still, he has denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available for the new virus, whose spread has roiled markets and disrupted the lives of everyday Americans.

The aid package from Congress would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs.

The crush of activity caps a tumultuous week in Washington.

According to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the House will need to vote on revised language on Monday, though he did not specify which language needed to be corrected.

Trump said Saturday that the Senate would vote on the bill "early next week."