Trump Signs Virus Aid Package Into Law

The U.S. Senate passed a more than $100 billion coronavirus aid package on Wednesday, and President Trump signed it into law on Wednesday evening.

After much wrangling and a late attempt at an amendment on Afghanistan by Sen. Rand Paul, the measure passed 90-8. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared this the time for bipartisanship to prevail. According The New York Times, he urged conservatives opposed to the measure to "gag and vote for it anyway."

Lawmakers are already working on another stimulus effort in response to the widening outbreak in the country.

But these are the major elements of the legislation the president signed. (The House passed it over the weekend.)

FREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING

The package provides free coronavirus testing for those who need it. The Trump administration has struggled to make such tests available.

The legislation requires private healthcare insurers to pay for all testing costs for beneficiaries with medical coverage. It also covers testing costs for people who receive health care through government-run programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. It provides $1 billion to the National Disaster Medical System, a coordinated healthcare system and partnership involving several federal agencies, to cover costs for people without medical insurance.

PAID SICK LEAVE AND EMERGENCY LEAVE FOR SOME WORKERS

Roughly a third of U.S. employees, predominantly lower-paid workers, currently do not get paid when they stay home due to illness. Health officials have said the coronavirus could spread more quickly if infected workers feel like they cannot afford to stay home without pay.

The measure requires governments and private businesses with fewer than 500 employees to provide up to two weeks of paid sick leave for those who miss work due to coronavirus or for those who have to take care of family members affected by the outbreak.

Workers could take another 10 weeks off, if needed, at two-thirds of their pay.

Businesses and self-employed workers will be able to claim refundable tax credits to cover the expense.

The U.S. Labor Department could exempt companies with fewer than 50 workers if they risk going out of business.

It doesn't apply to large employers like McDonald's Corp that do not provide paid sick leave. Some large employers, including Walmart Inc and Darden Restaurants, have announced they will do so voluntarily.

It applies to coronavirus-related illnesses and lasts only through the end of 2020.

ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The package covers costs for states that extend unemployment payments for six months beyond the usual six-month time limit.

The benefit would apply only to states that see their unemployment rates rise by at least 10%. They would get interest-free loans, if needed, to cover benefit costs under the bill.

It also would encourage employers to avoid layoffs by reducing employees' hours instead. Affected employees would get unemployment benefits to offset those lost wages.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

The package strengthens several programs that help feed low-income Americans. It would provide $250 million for home-delivery meals to seniors, $400 million for food banks, and $500 million to help feed mothers and young children.

It allows schools that provide free breakfasts and lunches to low-income students to distribute those meals to go, rather than requiring them to be eaten in a cafeteria.

It suspends work requirements for the "food stamp" program that helps low-income people buy groceries.