About 10 million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance benefits, Joe Biden said. (Archive)
Washington:
US President-elect Joe Biden warned Saturday of “devastating consequences” if President Donald Trump continues to delay the signing of a Covid-19 economic relief bill passed by Congress.
Trump questioned a long-awaited pandemic aid package last week as millions of Americans braced to lose benefits and face eviction, demanding more than triple the direct payments of $ 600 to American taxpayers from lawmakers.
“This abdication of liability has devastating consequences. Today, nearly 10 million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance benefits,” Biden said in a statement.
“In just a few days, government funding will expire, putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk. In less than a week, a moratorium on evictions expires, putting millions of people at risk of be forced to leave their homes for the holidays. “
In a video Tuesday night, Trump, who is due to step down in less than a month, called the $ 900 million bill “a disgrace,” even though it passed Monday with a large majority. bipartisan after months of negotiations.
The legislation was designed to launch a lifeline to businesses and individuals struggling to stay afloat.
But in a pre-recorded statement made at the White House and sent to Twitter, Trump said he would refuse to accept the bill without change.
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $ 600 to $ 2,000, or $ 4,000 for a couple,” he said.
The measure puts Trump at odds with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who have ruled out any major stimulus measures.
Democrats failed Thursday to get a separate measure in Congress to increase payments that would go to all taxpayers who earn up to $ 75,000 a year, with smaller amounts for those who earn up to $ 99,000.
“The delay means more small businesses will not survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation. caused by Covid-19, “added Biden.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
.
