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House Democrats Pass Partisan COVID Bill; Relief Talks Drag

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - Democrats controlling the House narrowly passed a $2.2
   trillion COVID-19 relief bill Thursday night, a move that came as
   top-level talks on a smaller, potentially bipartisan measure dragged on
   toward an uncertain finish. An air of pessimism has largely taken over
   the Capitol.

   The Democratic bill passed after a partisan debate by a 214-207 vote
   without any Republicans in support. The move puts lawmakers no closer
   to delivering aid such as more generous weekly unemployment payments,
   extended help for small businesses and especially troubled economic
   sectors such as restaurants and airlines, and another round of $1,200
   direct payments to most Americans.

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