WASHINGTON, D.C. - Crucial funding for small businesses is moving one step closer to reality Thursday evening.

The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved a $484 billion spending package in new coronavirus relief aid. House members returned to Washington this week prepared to vote in-person for the first time in nearly a month. The vote was 388-5 with one member, Michigan Rep. Justin Amash (I), voting present. This is the same deal the U.S. Senate passed on Tuesday by voice vote. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law Thursday night.

Much of the money, $310 billion, goes to the Paycheck Protection Program loan program aiding small businesses. The program ran out of money last week. Senate Republicans had pushed for additional funding for two weeks, but hit a stalemate with top Democrats, who wanted more funding for hospitals and coronavirus testing.

Here is a breakdown of the plan, known as Phase 3.5:

·       $310 billion in additional lending authority for the Paycheck Protection Program

·       $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

·       $75 billion for hospitals

·       $25 billion for virus testing

Local lawmakers supported the funding measure saying it is necessary, despite sharing concerns about the startling new debt.

“The Paycheck Protection Program keeps a lot of people employed and puts a lot of money in checking accounts so people can get food and put a roof over their head," said Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.).

"One in Lycoming County, a fella went in on Friday and had his money by Tuesday," said Rep. Fred Keller (R-Pa.) of a local business owner who received a P.P.P. loan. "Here’s how small the business was: $12,000 was his loan.”

Congress has approved nearly $2.8 trillion in coronavirus relief funding over the last six weeks. The national debt now stands at $24.5 trillion, according to TreasuryDirect.gov.

In Pennsylvania, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is backed by the Small Business Administration, has already approved nearly 70,000 loans worth more than $15.6 billion. In New York, more than 81,000 loans worth more than $20 billion have been approved.

Lawmakers are expected to consider a larger “Phase 4” coronavirus relief package when both the House and Senate are scheduled to resume session in early May.