An exhausted Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Saturday as President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies notched a victory they called crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums.
After laboring through the night on a mountain of amendments — nearly all from Republicans and rejected — bleary-eyed senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 party-line vote.
That sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can send it to Biden for his signature. "We tell the American people, help is on the way," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.