The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday passed President Joe Biden's $1.9-trillion coronavirus aid bill, the first major legislative victory of his presidency.

Democrats passed the sweeping measure by a mostly party-line vote of 219 to 212 and sent it on to the Senate, where Democrats planned a legislative maneuver to allow them to pass it without the support of Republicans. 

The American Rescue Plan would pay for vaccines and medical supplies and send a new round of emergency financial aid to households, small businesses and state and local governments.

"The American people need to know that their government is there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in debate on the House floor.

The House vote amounted to a successful first test for Democrats, who hold a narrow 221-211 majority in the chamber. 

The bill's big-ticket items include $1,400 direct payments to individuals, a $400-per-week federal unemployment benefit through August 29, and help for those in difficulty paying rents and home mortgages during the pandemic. 

The action now moves to the Senate, where Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris may have to cast a tie-breaking vote in a chamber where Republicans control 50 seats and Democrats and their allies control the other 50.