President Trump signs the largest emergency aid bill in US history, directing $2 trillion to fight the economic impacts of coronavirus
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion bipartisan stimulus package Friday that is intended to address the threat of economic disaster posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The stimulus package will provide $1,200 checks to many Americans – and more for families – while making available hundreds of billions of dollars for companies to maintain payroll through the crisis. It significantly expands the nation’s unemployment safety net and it directs a huge infusion of cash to hospitals and other medical facilities on the front line of fighting the pandemic.
Among the provisions in the package are $1,200 checks to qualifying individuals, $600 in additional weekly unemployment insurance payments, $367 billion in loans and grants to small businesses, over $130 billion for hospitals and community health centers and direct financial help to airlines and other hard-hit industries.Pelosi not invited for coronavirus bill signing in Oval Office
Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared at the White House alongside the president as he signed the landmark legislation, which will offer financial help for Americans, businesses, corporations and hospitals. Despite last-minute drama and some partisan squabbling about the particulars, Congress and the White House moved at stunning speed to shepherd the measure through the House and Senate. The pace reflected the dire pressure lawmakers feel to address the economic consequences of a pandemic that has largely brought the nation’s industries and small businesses to a standstill.
The House’s vote allows the bill to head to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval. Trump has signaled he will sign the bill. The measure was passed despite some last-minute drama that sent House lawmakers into a frantic rush to get back to D.C. over worries Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., would call for a recorded vote on the measure. Massie did request a recorded vote, which requires a majority of lawmakers be present at the Capitol, but it did not receive a second in order to enforce it.Shortly after the House of Representatives passed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package, Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C.
The South Carolina Democrat is the third member of the House of Representatives to test positive for the coronavirus along with Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., also tested positive.President Donald Trump urged automakers General Motors and Ford to begin manufacturing ventilators, critical medical equipment needed to treat COVID-19 patients, and mentioned invoking the Defense Production Act to compel those companies to begin mass production.
The president has faced mounting criticism from state and local officials for not formally enforcing the DPA to compel companies to expedite the production of medical supplies amid a widespread shortage of equipment across the country. The House had planned to approve the measure by voice vote, meaning it would pass with present members calling out either"aye" or"nay,” a method that did not require a majority. Leaders wanted lawmakers to stay home due to concerns that having them travel could further spread the virus within Congress. Already, two House lawmakers have tested positive for the virus and more than two dozen have gone into quarantine over the last several weeks.
After calling on the GOP to retake the House in November, Trump added, "but throw Massie out of the Republican Party!"Trump said Massie was"empowering the Radical Left Democrats" and declared:"He is a disaster for America, and for the Great State of Kentucky!" Several lawmakers lambasted Massie for forcing them back to Washington. But at least one, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, defended Massie and told Trump to"back off."
In spite of this guidance, several members representing parts of New York City were spotted on the House floor or traveled to Washington to vote. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said they would be holding an"unusual but critical session" as the House members took their own steps to avoid the virus. The House hoped to approve the package while keeping its hundreds of members home due to concerns about further spreading the virus. Already, two House lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19.But several lawmakers have voiced some opposition to the bill and allowing it to sail through without a full vote. One in particular, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has specifically threatened to ask for a recorded vote.
“Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House,” he wrote on Twitter. “Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed.”Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded to President Donald Trump after the president seemed to forget the Democrat's name while discussing the coronavirus response.
China President Xi Jinping, angry that President Donald Trump has used the phrase"China virus" to describe the coronavirus pandemic, urged Trump to do more to improve relations between the world's biggest trading partners, Chinese state media reported Friday.
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