Democrats and Republicans had fought hard for the new Corona aid package. But now President Trump is blocking the agreement. His successor Joe Biden fears dire consequences.
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Shortly before the start of the Christmas holidays, the corona restrictions in Washington DC were tightened again. Restaurants in the US capital are no longer allowed to serve inside, museums remain closed. The measures are initially valid until January 15th. But if the going gets tough, there will be a shutdown in addition to the lockdown on Monday.
The shutdown, i.e. the suspension of government business, would occur if incumbent Donald Trump continues to veto the non-partisan corona stimulus package. Because with the stimulus package, part of the federal government’s budget was also passed. A law on the interim financing of the business will expire on Monday. Without a signature, these transactions would have to be suspended for the time being.
Biden calls on Trump to give up the blockade
US President-elect Joe Biden warned on Saturday of such a scenario that important services and salaries for the military would be at risk. According to his assessment, worse threatens in the social field. If Trump doesn’t immediately sign the bill, Biden said, about ten million Americans would lose their unemployment benefits.
The Democrat also pointed to a government measure to protect tenants from eviction in connection with the corona pandemic, and which will also expire in a few days. Biden described the Republican’s refusal to act as irresponsible. He feared it would have “devastating consequences”.
President-elect Joe Biden: Donald Trump is likely to discharge him into his term of office with a heavy mortgage. (Source: Leah Millis / Reuters)
Corona package secures aid payments
The economic stimulus package of around 900 billion US dollars (about 730 billion euros) provides, among other things, the payment of higher unemployment benefits by March. In addition, most citizens should receive a one-time aid payment of 600 dollars.
However, Trump is calling, among other things, for the payment to be increased to $ 2,000 per capita, which is why he has indicated that he could veto the legislative package. “Republicans must stop playing games while Americans are starving,” Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter.
A government shutdown is also looming
The US Congress had already launched a gigantic economic program in March. At $ 2.2 trillion, it was the largest aid package in US history. The funds were then topped up in April with another aid program.
The new aid program is intended to complement previous measures against the economic and social consequences of the pandemic. Despite the expiry of the current aid, Trump formally has until the beginning of January to put the law into force with his signature – or to insist on his veto.
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