The Senate wrapped up a late-night session reading President Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan. Senate Republicans oppose the relief bill, which is why Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson forced Senate clerks to read the full bill aloud, delaying debate as long as possible.
Typically senators skip having the clerk read the entire bill out loud, especially when the legislation is hundreds of pages.
In a tweet, Johnson estimated the full reading of the bill could take 10 hours. According to Politico, Senate Democratic leaders estimated it would take four to five hours.
The Senate clerk began reading the bill at 3:21 p.m. Eastern. The clerks took turns reading it out loud. They wrapped up at 2:04 a.m. Friday -- 10 hours, 43 minutes.
The next step comes Friday. The Senate will convene at 9 a.m. for three hours of debate. After that will be what's known as the "vote-a-rama" of amendments. Senate Republicans are reportedly considering dragging that process out into the overnight hours.
Democrats have said they want the relief bill signed before the last round of emergency jobless benefits run dry on March 14. To stay on that schedule, the House will have to approve the Senate’s version before sending it to President Joe Biden. #WakeUpCLT #Stimulus
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