House committee approves $14bln in airline aid

America's airline industry could be in line to get another $14 billion in government aid for payroll assistance as part of the broader COVID-19 relief package working its way through Congress.

The House of Representatives Financial Services Committee voted Thursday to approve the $14 billion to help the industry cover payroll through September, and an additional $1 billion for contractors.

This would be the third round of support for an industry virtually grounded to a halt due to the health crisis.

Airlines are burning through millions of dollars every day as they fly planes emptied from passengers who are reluctant to travel.

American and United Airlines have already warned of some 27,000 furloughs if another round of assistance falls through.

The current package of industry payroll aid expires on April 1st.

Help for the airlines wasn't initially included in President Biden's massive $1.9 trillion relief package, but Democrats pushed for the inclusion.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is hoping to wrap up negotiations on Biden's stimulus plan by the end of the month and get it passed before unemployment benefits expire in March.

Republicans have balked at the size of Biden's stimulus plan, but may not be able to do much to stop it.

Democrats are in control of the House and using a budget process in the Senate to avoid having to get a super-majority to get it passed.