The US Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill on Saturday as President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies notched a victory they called crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums.

After labouring through the night on a mountain of amendments, nearly all from Republicans and rejected, bleary-eyed senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 party-line vote. That sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can send it to Biden for his signature.