Senate votes to end Covid-19 emergency

The Senate voted Wednesday to end the Covid-19 emergency declaration, which has been in effect since the start of the pandemic three years ago.

Senators passed the bill in a 68-23 vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told Senate Democrats before the vote that Biden had indicated he would not veto it if it reached his desk.

The House voted to end the emergency declaration earlier this year by a vote of 220-210. In a separate vote, the House also passed a second bill to end the emergency, with 11 Democrats joining the Republicans.

Biden made his feelings clear. His spokesman stated that he "strongly opposes" ending the declaration early, but that if this bill reaches his desk, "he will sign it."

If Biden signs the bill, it will immediately end the Covid-19 emergency, enacted during Donald Trump's time in office. Initially, the administration had intended to let it expire in May, although it seems likely that it will end even sooner.