BIDEN APPLAUDS $900B COVID RELIEF PACKAGE

Joe Biden has applauded a new US$900 billion coronavirus stimulus package passed by U.S. Congress but said he would deliver more to struggling Americans after his inauguration next month.

After months of negotiations, the 5,593-page bill — by far the longest ever passed in Congress — went through the House of Representatives and then the Senate on Tuesday.

It includes provisions for direct stimulus payments of US$600 to individuals and US$2,400 for a family of four, along with an extension of additional US$300 per week unemployment payments, and loans for businesses.

Biden said: “I applaud this relief package, but our work is far from over. Starting in the new year Congress will need to immediately get to work on support for our COVID-19 plan.

“My message to everyone out there struggling right now: help is on the way,” he added.