Travellers check in at a United Airlines kiosk with help from a United employee in the main terminal of Denver International Airport Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Denver.
Earlier in the day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged airlines to delay 32,000 furloughs that began this week while Congress considered DeFazio's bill.
American Airlines and United Airlines held back, however, saying they would wait for Congress to approve the money before recalling furloughed workers.
Congress approved $25 billion in payroll aid six months ago in hopes that the travel industry might be stronger by fall.
On top of that, American is furloughing 19,000 workers, United is cutting 13,000, and Alaska furloughed about 500.