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Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso reiterated claims that undocumented people living in the United States will receive direct payments through the latest coronavirus relief package on Sunday, echoing a similar suggestion from Texas GOP Senator Ted Cruz over the weekend. The Senate passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Saturday in a 50-49 vote along party lines. The bill will return to the U.S. House, where it initially passed one week earlier, for a second vote on Tuesday that is expected to see representatives approve the proposed legislation with amendments from the Senate. President Joe Biden could then sign the bill into law before the end of the upcoming week. In addition to extending increased unemployment benefits and distributing aid to state governments, the bill aims to dispense another round of economic stimulus payments to eligible Americans. Those who qualify can receive up to $1,400 per individual. Barrasso, like all of his Republican … [Read more...] about John Barrasso Repeats Ted Cruz Claim Stimulus Checks Will Go to Illegal Immigrants

Senate Majority Whip Dick Dubin of Illinois, the number two Democrat in the chamber, broke with President Joe Biden on ending the filibuster Sunday by saying "we'll change the rules" if enough members support the move. Durbin's remarks came one day after the Senate passed the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill largely along party lines, with all 48 Democrats and two independents who caucus with them supporting and 49 Republicans opposing the bill. Progressives renewed their push to end the filibuster after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the $15 minimum wage measure was out of the scope of the budget process called reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority. Members of the left wing of the party warned that Biden would fail in delivering the agenda he promised throughout his campaign without changes to the structure of the chamber. Durbin on Sunday agreed with that warning. "There's truth to it," he said, according to The Hill . "Unfortunately, we've reached … [Read more...] about Senate Leader Dick Durbin Sides With Progressives, Breaks With Biden on Ending Filibuster

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey Kay Ivey The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Virus relief bill headed for weekend vote Overnight Health Care: Experts warn US risks delaying 'normal' summer | Alabama GOP governor extends mask mandate | Senate votes to take up relief bill Alabama extends mask mandate 1 month, bucking other GOP-led states MORE (R) said Thursday she will extend her state's mask mandate for another month, a contrast with decisions from governors in Texas and Mississippi to lift orders. Ivey noted that coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have fallen but said the time is not yet right to lift the mask order. "Even with this positive news, Dr. Harris & I believe more Alabamians need to get their 1st shot before we take a step some other states have taken to remove the mask order altogether & lift all restrictions," she wrote on Twitter, referring to state health officer Scott Harris. "Folks, we’re not there yet, but we're getting … [Read more...] about Alabama extends mask mandate 1 month, bucking other GOP-led states