Joe says ‘help is on the way’ for hurting

Vowing that “help is on the way,” President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday introduced a diverse team of cabinet picks who will spearhead his effort to resuscitate the U.S. economy as Americans brace for more financial fallout from the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

The “tested and experienced” team — comprising Treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen, White House budget chief pick Neera Tanden and four other proposed officials — is already hard at work on a sweeping COVID-19 economic stimulus bill that Biden will put forward once he’s sworn in on Jan. 20, he said at his transition team headquarters in Delaware.

“We are going to create recovery for everybody,” said Biden, who was flanked by the six nominees on stage. “Get this economy moving, create jobs, restore the backbone of this country, the middle class. Our message to everybody struggling now is this: Help is on the way.”

But Biden (above) also urged Congress to allocate an interim relief bill “right now” to renew expiring federal unemployment benefits and provide aid for local governments, small businesses, hospitals and other cash-strapped public and private sectors ahead of Inauguration Day. “Congress should come together and pass a robust package for relief to address these urgent needs,” he said.

The Tuesday unveiling marked Biden’s first public appearance since breaking his foot while playing with his dog over the holiday weekend. He wore a black boot on the broken foot and walked carefully, though he told reporters he feels “good.”

Biden’s push for stimulus comes as congressional Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse in negotiations, even as the U.S. coronavirus death toll nears 270,000, with infections rates spiking countrywide.