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Biden's 1st 100 days live updates: Senate passes COVID relief bill along party lines

The final vote was 50-49.

Last Updated: March 6, 2021, 3:23 PM EST

Today is Day 46 of the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Latest headlines:

Here is how the day is unfolding. All time Eastern.
Mar 06, 2021, 11:02 AM EST

Biden pushes coronavirus relief bill, tells Americans, ‘I think we’re going to pass' it

Biden continued to push his COVID-19 rescue bill during his Weekly Conversation video shared on the White House’s social media pages Saturday.

This week, Biden spoke to Tammy, a health care worker and single mother of four in Michigan. 

She said the $1,400 direct payment in the bill would help her pay off rent, water and gas bills and buy healthier food for her kids. 

“I was one of the people who was trying to balance paying bills and feeding my kids, or you know, getting the healthier choices versus what they really gotta have,” Tammy said to the president. “Sometimes I have to put back a bag of apples versus getting the pack of meat because the funds wasn’t there.”

Biden responded with a message of hope. “I think you’re going to be in good shape," he said.

“I think we’re going to be able to pass the bill which will get you a check for $7,000 dollars,” Biden said, combining $1,400 for her and her four children to get the total.

“I hope that the help that’s on the way in terms of these direct cash payments, to food assistance and the rest -- I hope it helps,” he added.

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Mar 06, 2021, 1:47 AM EST

Democrats' unemployment insurance plan passes on party line vote

The Democratic unemployment insurance plan has been agreed to on a party line vote of 50-49. 

By voting to pass this amendment, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, Democrats have now superseded the Portman unemployment insurance amendment that passed Friday night.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

Mar 06, 2021, 12:33 AM EST

Senate passes Portman unemployment insurance amendment 

The Senate has passed the Portman unemployment insurance amendment by a vote of 50-49. 

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans in favor of the amendment.

While the Portman amendment passed, it is expected to be superseded by the Democratic agreement on UI Saturday morning. 

It's still unclear when Democrats intend to offer their superseding amendment.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

Mar 05, 2021, 8:25 PM EST

Deal reached on unemployment benefits after 8 hours

After eight hours of inaction, Democrats have reached an agreement among themselves on how to proceed with jobless benefits with Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, on board.

Senate Democrats will now offer an amendment to extend the enhanced UI program through Sept. 6 at $300 per week, according to a Democratic aide. The House-passed bill was through Aug. 29.

The agreement also provides tax relief to workers who received unemployment insurance compensation by making the first $10,200 of UI benefits nontaxable for the first time to prevent surprise bills for the unemployed at end of year, which was not in the House-passed legislation. The provision applies only to households making under $150,000.

The agreement also extends tax rules regarding excess business loss limitations for one additional year through 2026.

-ABC News' Trish Turner