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Donald Trump Signs $900 Billion COVID-19 Relief Bill

4 mins read

United States President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package that aims to distribute much-needed financial assistance to Americans and businesses after months of stalled discussions and negotiations.

One congressional Republican aide who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the president had signed the measure. However, the individual was not authorized to discuss the details of the document to the public.

The bill includes $1.4 trillion in government agency funds that would last until September. It also included several other end-of-session priorities such as financial assistance for transit systems, who have been struggling amid the pandemic, and food stamp benefits increase.

On the other hand, Democrats revealed they want to provide more financial aid after President-elect Joe Biden officially takes office. However, Republicans are conducting a wait-and-see approach.

On Sunday, millions of residents lost unemployment aid as the government approached a mid-pandemic shutdown. Lawmakers continued to urge President Trump to act on the long-sought COVID-19 relief bill.

Last week, Trump blindsided both sides of the government and overturned months of relief bill negotiations when he said he wanted the package, which the House and Senate already passed, should include a much larger financial aid to Americans.

At 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, the federal government would run out of funds if Trump continued to resist the passing of the COVID-19 relief bill. Meanwhile, the U.S. president continued to spend his holidays in leisure golfing in Florida.

Trump offered a variety of updates on Sunday, posting on his Twitter handler: “Good news on Covid Relief Bill. Information to follow!” However, the White House declined to comment on what the president meant with his post.

On Sunday, lawmakers called for Trump to sign the relief bill that would provide Americans and businesses with much-needed financial support amid the health crisis. The package also included unemployment benefits, relief payments to families, vaccine distribution funding, eviction protection, and much more.

Senator Bernie Sanders said, “What the president is doing right now is unbelievably cruel. So many people are hurting. It is really insane, and this president has got to finally do the right thing for the American people and stop worrying about his ego.”

Pennsylvania’s Republic Senator, Pat Toomey, said he understood Trump’s wish of being remembered for providing big stimulus checks but that the risks of what he was doing would bring chaos and misery among citizens, KRON4 reported.

Toomey said, “So I think the best thing to do, as I said, sign this and then make the case for subsequent legislation.” Similarly, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan echoed Toomey’s advocacies and has continued to criticize Trump’s seemingly ignorant efforts to undo the results of the election. He said, “I just gave up guessing what he might do next.”

Illinois Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger said there was too much at stake for Trump to draw out the passing of the bill. He said, “I don’t get the point. I don’t understand what’s being done, why, unless it’s just to create chaos and show power and be upset because you lost the election.”

Danielle Joyce Ong

Danielle is a local journalist with a passion for exploring stories related to crime and politics. When Danielle isn't busy writing or reading, she is usually exploring the great outdoors and all the hiking trails in the Bay.