TREASURY DEPARTMENT CREATES OFFICE TO OVERSEE VIRUS RELIEF

Washington — The Treasury Department has created a new office to supervise the disbursement of the billions of dollars in relief money authorized by Congress to combat the coronavirus-related recession. Officials said Wednesday that the goal is to streamline the process and ensure all eligible groups have access to the aid. The Office of Recovery Programs will oversee the release of $420 billion in support from the $1.9 trillion package that President Joe Biden pushed through Congress last month, the Treasury said. That package included payments of up to $1,400 for individuals, extended emergency unemployment benefits, rental assistance and support for small businesses and state and local governments.