Lawmakers Agree to $7.8 Billion Emergency Virus Spending Bill

Republicans and Democrats agreed on a $7.8 billion emergency spending bill to fund the U.S. government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby.

The bipartisan bill provides much more funding than President Donald Trump requested from Congress last week. Trump had asked for $1.25 billion in new funds along with permission to tap another $1.25 billion from other social and health programs.

Lawmakers said the higher level of funding is needed given the rapid spread of the virus. The final bill is much closer to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s initial $8.5 billion proposal than the president’s plan.

The House and Senate need to pass the bill before sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature.