“The combined crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic downturn continue devastating the lives and livelihoods of the people of Southern Arizona,” said Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., in a statement ahead of the final vote.
By Ronald J. Hansen | Arizona Republic
In a party-line vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its wide-ranging version of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill sought by President Joe Biden early Saturday in a form likely to differ from anything that passes the Senate.
The House bill included a $15 hourly federal minimum wage, something the Senate’s rule-arbiter already has said can’t be in legislation that isn’t subject to that chamber’s filibuster provision.
Related: Republicans test history in vote against pandemic relief(AP)
It passed 219-212, with only two Democrats breaking ranks, and no Republicans.
Arizona’s nine-member House delegation voted in line with the rest of their colleagues, with the state’s five Democrats helping pass the measure. They cast it as needed and overdue help for the middle class and small businesses.
“The combined crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic downturn continue devastating the lives and livelihoods of the people of Southern Arizona,” said Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., in a statement ahead of the final vote. “The American people are desperate for help, and I am proudly supporting this package to provide immediate relief to workers, families, and small businesses who need it the most.
