The US Congress has supported a new government aid package to support the airline industry, focused on recalling furloughed workers and help cover payrolls through March.
The $748 billion bipartisan pandemic relief package was put forth by a dozen senators and has the support of 50 House members. Some Democrats in the group suggested voting on the bill even though it doesn’t have a top Democratic priority of state and local aid.
Previous aid proposals failed in the run up to the election but this new package is reported to have stripped out certain controversial elements that had held up previous packages.
The new bill proposes the extension of the previous payroll aid through March 31, as well as $4 billion in funding for airports, including airport businesses; $8 billion for bus, school transport and ferry industries; $15 billion for public transit systems; and $1 billion for Amtrak.