KEY POINTS
  • The Senate passed a $2 trillion economic relief package to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. 
  • It now heads to the House, which hopes to approve it by Friday. 
  • The legislation, approved as waves of layoffs hit workers and hospitals look for resources, may not be the last action Congress takes to help a reeling economy and health-care system. 

The Senate passed a historic $2 trillion coronavirus relief package Wednesday night, as it tries to stem the destruction the pandemic has brought to American lives and wallets. 

The chamber approved the mammoth bill — the largest economic rescue package in U.S. history — in a unanimous 96-0 vote after days of furious negotiations, partisan sniping and raised tempers on the Senate floor. The bill now heads to the House, which will push to pass it by voice vote Friday morning because most representatives are out of Washington.