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US Lawmakers Close to Deal to Help Small Businesses, Hospitals

VOA News

   U.S. lawmakers are close to an agreement on a $450 billion package to
   help small businesses and hospitals in the latest move to respond to
   the coronavirus outbreak.

   The Senate could vote as early as Tuesday on the legislation.

   House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said if the Senate gives its approval
   Tuesday, the House "could meet as early as Thursday" to consider the
   bill.

   The majority of the money would be targeted at small businesses that
   missed out on an earlier pool of rescue money.

   Under that program,if a business used the aid to pay employees during
   the next two months then the government will assume responsibility for
   the costs and the business will not have to pay it back.

   Officials want to help people stay employed and have businesses as
   ready as possible to ramp up their activity when it becomes safe for
   customers to return.

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