Senate votes against motion to proceed on $48 billion COVID aid package

The Senate voted on Thursday against a motion to proceed on a $48 billion aid package that was designed to aid restaurants, gyms, minor league sports teams and other businesses still hurting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were 52 votes in favor and 43 against, a measure of how U.S. lawmakers are leery of spending as Americans deal with high inflation. There had to be 60 votes to pass the aid package to a separate vote on its passage.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to support the aid ahead of the vote. Two years after the start of COVID, our country has come very far, but it would be a dreadful mistake to think the work is done, the New York Democrat said in a floor speech. Today, the Senate should vote to give America s restaurants, local gyms, minor league teams and other small businesses a much-needed lifeline. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky blasted the package before the voting. Democrats need to wake up and realise that dumping more money in the economy is simply pouring $5 a-gallon gas RB 00, on an already out-of-control fire, Paul said in a floor speech. Retail sales rose a healthy 2% last month, according to the latest data on retail sales.