Congress officially approved a new COVID-19 relief bill.

The new stimulus deal includes $600 individual payments plus an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, which lasts through March 14.

Among those getting help are hard-hit businesses, schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes voted for the bill, and says it was "absolutely necessary" for Congress to pass a relief package before the end of the year.

"This is an important bill, it comes too late quite frankly, and it's not quite as comprehensive certainly as I would like. But it is going to provide a lot of relief to a lot of the people in Connecticut here at the end of a very, very difficult year," he says.

Senators from Connecticut also commented on the bill.

Sen. Chris Murphy saying in part, “As we've seen mental health issues spike throughout COVID-19, I'm also proud my bipartisan legislation that cracks down on insurers who don't pay for mental health treatment was included in this bill."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says the relief package is too delayed and too small, but he will continue to fight for more.

"This pandemic relief package is a morally imperative rescue measure – an economic and public health life raft for struggling families, businesses, and hospitals."

The payments will start going out the week of Dec. 28, and last through March 14.