ZCZC
BFF-20
HEALTH-VIRUS-POLITICS-TRUMP-BIDEN
Biden warns of ‘devastating consequences’ of Trump block on pandemic
relief
WASHINGTON, Dec 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – US President-elect Joe Biden warned
Saturday of “devastating consequences” if President Donald Trump continues to
delay signing a Covid-19 economic relief bill passed by Congress.
Trump threw a long-awaited pandemic aid package into doubt last week as
millions of Americans prepared to lose benefits and face eviction —
demanding lawmakers more than triple the $600 direct payments to US
taxpayers.
“This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. Today,
about 10 million Americans will lose 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 at risk of being forced
from their homes over the holidays.”
In a video late Tuesday, Trump, who is due to leave office in less than a
month, called the $900 million bill “a disgrace” — despite it being passed
Monday with a large bipartisan majority after months of negotiation.
The legislation was designed to throw a lifeline to businesses and people
struggling to keep their heads above water.
But in a pre-recorded statement made in the White House and sent out on
Twitter, Trump said he would refuse to accept the bill without changes.
“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 move puts Trump at odds with Senate Republican majority leader Mitch
McConnell and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, who have ruled out any
larger stimulus measures.
Democrats failed Thursday to get a standalone measure through Congress to
increase the payments that would go to all taxpayers earning up to $75,000 a
year, with smaller amounts for those making up to $99,000.
“Delay means more small businesses won’t 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,” Biden added.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1356 hrs