Trump backs down and signs $900bn Covid relief bill into law
US President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion (£664bn) pandemic relief package late on Sunday night, 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 to fund government agencies through to September and contains other end-ofsession 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 cheques to most Americans instead of the $2 000 that his fellow Republicans rejected.
He also complained about what he considered unnecessary spending. But Mr Trump's 11th-hour 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.
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.
Politicians now have breathing room to continue debating whether the relief cheques should be as large as the president has demanded. The Democratic-led House sup - ports the larger cheques and was set to vote on the issue late yesterday, but it is expected to be ignored by the Republicanheld Senate where spending faces stern opposition.
Republicans and Democrats welcomed Mr Trump's decision to sign the bill.
“The compromise bill is not perfect but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Americans who need help now ,” said Senate
majority leader Mitch Mcconnell. “I thank the president for signing this relief into law.”
Democrats are promising more aid once president-elect Joe Bid en takes office but Republicans are signalling a wait-and-see approach.
In the face of growing eco - nomic hardship, spreading disease and a looming shutdown, politicians on Sunday had urged Mr Trump to sign the legislation immediately,
then have Congress follow up with additional aid.
Aside from unemployment benefits and relief payments to families, money for vaccine distribution, businesses, public transport and more is on the line. Protections against evictions also hung in the balance.
“What the president is doing right now is unbelievably cruel,” said independent senator Bernie Sanders. “It is
really insane and this president has got to do the right thing for the American peo - plea nd stop worrying about his ego.”
Republican senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said he understood Mr Trump “wants to be remembered for advocating for big cheques but the danger is he'll be remembered for chaos and misery and erratic behaviour if he allows this to expire”.