Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar is applauding Congress' passage of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.

"This is a historic moment for the Northland, and for our entire state," said Klobuchar.

Klobuchar says the bill will help distribute vaccines more efficiently, and make it easier for schools to reopen. It will also provide $1,400 direct payments to people making less than $75,000 per year. They are expected to be sent out by the end of the month.

Klobuchar says it was crucial the bill be passed to help Minnesotans bounce back from the pandemic.

"There's only so long that families in Duluth can go balancing their laptops on their desk, and their kids on their knees, teaching first graders how to use a mute button, trying to get by when you don't know when your job's going to come back. There's so many people employed in the tourism industry that have been hit by this, and so many people that are waiting to get the vaccine, and that's still happening right now, so we need light at the end of the tunnel here," said Klobuchar.

The bill will give an estimated $4.8 billion to the State of Minnesota, and an estimated $5.7 billion to the State of Wisconsin.  

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also weighed in on the bill's passage. He said it has the potential to cut childhood poverty in half.

"This is a transformational piece of legislation on so many fronts," said Walz.

On the Republican side, Congressman Pete Stauber who voted against the bill, says less than ten percent of the funds would go towards defeating the virus.

"Unfortunately, this package happens to be the most expensive single bill in American history, and its passage will undoubtedly result in tax increases to be shouldered by hardworking middle-class Americans for years to come. Quite frankly, this is the last thing that we should be passing at a time when so many Americans are struggling to get back on their feet," Stauber sent in an emailed statement to WDIO News.

To see the original report and read related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/coronavirus/klobuchar-congress-passing-covid-relief-bill/6038761/?cat=10335