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Biden Announces $1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package

VOA News

   U.S. President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a coronavirus response plan
   Thursday evening, emphasizing the urgency of passing legislation to
   help Americans through the pandemic and the economic crisis it has
   wrought.

   "During this pandemic, millions of Americans, through no fault of their
   own, have lost the dignity and respect that comes with a paycheck,"
   Biden said in an address introducing the American Rescue Plan.

   Biden's plan includes a new round of direct payments of $1,400 for most
   Americans, funding to promote the safe opening of schools and mounting
   a national vaccine program. Also included is $400 a week in additional
   unemployment insurance, through September.

   Providing relief to small businesses, notably those owned by
   entrepreneurs of color, was also detailed in the plan.

   The plan, which the transition team described as "ambitious, but
   achievable," is estimated to total $1.9 trillion, according to a
   statement released ahead of Biden's speech.

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