Millions of Americans were unemployed on Sunday before President Trump signed a COVID-19 economic relief package and a bill to spend $ 1.4 trillion to finance the government. Congress passed the bill on December 21, after weeks of negotiations involving members of Mr. Trump’s own administration.
Mr. Trump signed the bill Sunday night, about 18 hours after unemployment benefits expired.
Estimated 12 million Americans His unemployment assistance was lost after two major government programs authorized by the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief and Economic Security Act, or the CARS Act, according to a study released last week by The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank.
Mr. Trump refused to sign the bill on a $ 2,000 incentive check, instead insisting on a $ 2,000 check. Over the weekend, he instructed Congress to get rid of “pork” in the bill, though he did not specify what he meant by pork, which is usually in bills involving members of Congress for pet or local causes Is added. .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said On Thursday, the House will vote on a standalone bill on Monday, providing a check for $ 2,000 to Americans. She said the bill was blocked by Republicans. Mr. Trump said in a statement Sunday night that the Senate would begin working on the bill, although it is unclear what its future would hold, as Senate Republicans had previously blocked such payments.
The massive $ 900 billion COVID-19 economic relief bill includes not only a $ 600 incentive check but also increased unemployment benefits, $ 284.45 billion for small businesses, $ 25 billion in direct rental assistance, $ 82 billion to finance education , Includes $ 45 billion for public transit systems. And $ 13 billion for enhanced food stamps and child nutrition benefits.
The bill also extends the expulsion adjournment for another month. If it is not passed, the millions of renters who are behind their rent may face eviction.
In addition to economic relief, the deal also marks more than $ 30 billion to support the purchase and distribution of coronovirus vaccines and $ 27 billion for testing and state health care programs.
President-Elect Joe Biden on Saturday requested Mr. Trump to sign the bill.
“It’s the day after Christmas, and millions of families don’t know whether they’ll meet because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority.” . Biden said in a statement on Saturday.
Mr. Trump is in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago resort for vacation.
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