White House, Senate leaders strike deal on $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package

Senate leaders and the White House struck a deal early Wednesday on a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to aid an economy that’s been hampered by the rapidly worsening pandemic.

“At last, we have a deal,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said from the Senate floor at about 1:30 a.m.

“After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic,” McConnell said.

The deal came after two procedural votes on the mammoth stimulus bill were blocked by Democrats, who felt the package didn’t adequately protect American workers.

McConnell likened the massive bill to “a wartime level of investment into our nation.”

A Senate vote appeared likely Wednesday, with a House vote to follow.

“We’re going to pass this legislation later today,” vowed McConnell.

Central to the bill are a Republican-led plan to send direct checks to millions of Americans, up to $3,400 for a family of four, and loans to businesses.

The rescue package includes a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home.

One of the last issues to close concerned $500 billion for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including a fight over how generous to be with the airlines.

Hospitals would get significant help as well.

With Post wires