Congress late Monday night passed a massive stimulus bill that combined $900 billion in COVID-19 relief with a $1.4 trillion omnibus government spending measure.
In addition to extending a federal unemployment boost for millions of out-of-work Americans and sending a second $600 stimulus check to individuals including children, the $2.3 trillion package will fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year and contains legislation on taxes, energy, education, and health care.
Of course, Congress being Congress, the bill includes a few other spending provisions as well.
The 5,593-page bill contains items that are completely unrelated to government funding or pandemic relief efforts:
- Establishes two new branches of the Smithsonian museum near the National Mall.
- creates national standards for the horse-racing industry.
- Makes “illegal streaming” a felony.
- Includes a section outlining the reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama.
- People who transport water hyacinths, alligator grass, or water chestnut plants across state lines no longer face up to six months in prison.
- Individuals who use fraudulently use emblems such as the U.S. Forest Service’s “Smokey Bear” and “Woodsy Owl,” the Golden Eagle insignia and the Swiss Confederation’s coat of arms no longer face jail time.
- Creates national medication and safety standards for the horse racing industry, as well as an anti-doping and racetrack safety program
Rep. Jim Banks from the Indiana 3rd district joined WIBC’s Tony Katz Tuesday to explain why he decided to vote “no” on the massive spending bill. Click below to listen.
https://omny.fm/shows/tony-katz-and-the-morning-news/making-sense-of-the-covid-relief-bill
