Senate Advances $1.9 Trillion Covid-19 Relief Bill; Kamala Harris Casts Tie-Breaking Vote To Start Debate

deadline.com:

The Senate voted to advance a $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill, which includes direct payments to families and extends enhanced unemployment benefits, but it could be a long slog before there is a final vote.The vote was 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris voting in favor to break a tie.The Senate, though, is in for a marathon of a session.

In an effort to delay passage of the legislation, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) insisted that the 628-page bill be read in its entirety, a process that may take up to 10 hours.

Then the Senate faces a process where members can offer amendments for a vote, a lengthy proceeding known as “vote-a-rama.”NEW: Senate votes 51-50 to proceed on the $1.9T Covid relief bill, with VP Harris breaking the tie,