The United States House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a $US484 billion ($760 billion) coronavirus relief bill, funding small businesses and hospitals and pushing the total spending response to the crisis towards an unprecedented $US3 trillion ($4.7 trillion).

Key points: Congress passed the last coronavirus relief bill worth more than $US2 trillion in March

Congress passed the last coronavirus relief bill worth more than $US2 trillion in March More than 49,000 Americans have died and and a record 26 million are out of work

More than 49,000 Americans have died and and a record 26 million are out of work A coronavirus committee was approved to ensure funds go to those who need it

The measure passed the Democratic-led House by a vote of 388-5, with one member voting present.

House members were meeting for the first time in weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Politicians, many wearing masks, approved the bill during an extended period of voting intended to allow them to remain at a distance from one another in line with public health recommendations.

The House action sent the latest of four relief bills to the White House, where Republican President Donald Trump promised to sign it quickly into law.

The Republican-led Senate passed the legislation in a voice vote on Tuesday.

But threats of opposition by some members of both parties prompted congressional leaders to call the full chamber back to Washington for the House vote despite state stay-at-home orders.

The $US484 billion aid bill is the fourth passed in the US to address the coronavirus crisis.

It provides funds to small businesses and hospitals struggling with the economic toll of a pandemic that has killed more than 49,000 Americans and thrown a record 26 million out of work, wiping out all of the jobs created during the longest employment boom in US history.

Congress passed the last coronavirus relief measure, worth more than $US2 trillion ($3.1 trillion), in March, also with overwhelming support from both parties. It was the largest such funding bill ever passed.

Coronavirus oversight panel to investigate US preparedness

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the panel was essential to ensure funds go to those in need. ( Reuters: Yuri Gripas )

The House also approved a select committee, with subpoena power, to probe the US response to the coronavirus.

It will have broad powers to investigate how federal money is being spent, US preparedness and Trump administration deliberations.

Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the panel was essential to ensure funds go to those who need them and to prevent scams.

Republicans said the committee was not needed, citing existing oversight bodies, and called the panel's creation another expensive Democratic slap at Mr Trump.

The committee was approved on a vote of 212-182, along party lines.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 20 minutes 20 m The Virus

Reuters