Trump finally signs off massive package of funding to enable Covid relief

PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed a $900 billion (£664 billion) pandemic relief package on Sunday, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.

The massive bill includes $1.4 trillion (£1.03 trillion) to fund government agencies through to September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits.

Mr Trump announced the signing in a statement that spoke of his frustrations with the Covid-19 relief for including only $600 (£443) cheques to most Americans instead of the $2,000 (£1,476) that his fellow Republicans rejected.

He also complained about what he considered unnecessary spending by the government at large. But Mr Trump’s eleventhhour objections created turmoil because politicians had thought he was supportive of the bill, which had been negotiated for months with White House input.

“I will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed,” Mr Trump said in the statement.

While the president insisted he would send Congress “a red-lined version” with items to be removed under the rescission process, those are merely suggestions to Congress. The bill, as signed, would not necessarily be changed.

Republicans and Democrats swiftly welcomed Mr Trump’s decision to sign the bill into law.

“The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell, referencing his home state.

Democrats are promising more aid to come once President-elect Joe Biden takes office, but Republicans are signalling a wait-and-see approach.

Aside from unemployment benefits and relief payments to families, money for vaccine distribution, businesses, cashstarved public transit systems and more is on the line.