WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats could open debate on the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on Wednesday, despite widespread opposition from the Republican Party, and just 11 days before emergency unemployment benefits expire for millions. of Americans.
The Senate is expected to take the first procedural vote on the COVID-19 economic relief package. This, after the House of Representatives approved the plan on Saturday.
The Senate would hold the first ‘Motion to Proceed’ procedural vote on the bill, sometime after noon.
That motion to proceed to the vote will need a simple majority to pass the bill, and if all 50 Republicans stick together, Vice President Harris will have to go to Capitol Hill to break the tie.
When that motion passes, up to 20 hours of debate begin, after which the Senate will move on to another branch vote on unlimited amendments.
The Senate would meet at 12:00 pm and will be in a morning business period with the Senators authorized to speak at it, for up to 10 minutes each.
Thus, a roll call vote is expected on the motion to proceed to HR1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.