The future US President Joe Biden warned, Saturday, December 26, against the "devastating consequences" for millions of Americans in difficulty if Donald Trump does not sign, as he has brandished the threat, the vast economic recovery plan adopted by Congress.

After months of negotiations, American parliamentarians adopted on Monday a plan to support the economy of some 900 billion dollars but Donald Trump rejected it, asking, among other things, for an increase in direct aid to the most vulnerable households.

"This abdication of responsibilities has devastating consequences," warned Joe Biden, referring in particular to the expiration, on Saturday, of unemployment benefits for 10 million people and the end of the current funding of state services on December 28.

Amendment blocked by the Republican majority

"This bill is essential, it must be signed to enter into force now," the Democratic President-elect added in a statement, stressing the "economic devastation caused by Covid-19".

But the Republican billionaire refuses for the moment to ratify the text.

He believes that the 600 dollars provided for the lowest incomes, a sum approved by his secretary of the Treasury during negotiations with Congress, are insufficient and calls for this sum to be increased to 2000 dollars per adult.

“I just want to give some really good people $ 2,000, rather than the lousy $ 600 that's currently in the bill,” he reiterated on Twitter Saturday.

The Democrats, in favor of an increase in aid, tried Thursday to pass an amendment to this effect in the House of Representatives, but it was blocked by the Republican minority.

Another session is scheduled for Monday but in view of the ups and downs of recent months, yet another twist from elected officials or President Trump cannot be ruled out.

Expiry of the last government aid adopted in the spring

A presidential veto would indeed have disastrous consequences for millions of Americans, for SMEs and more particularly for the hotel, restaurant and airline sectors, whose activity should once again suffer from new travel restrictions in the face of the explosion of Covid-19 infections.

The latest government aid, adopted in the spring as part of the gigantic support plan of 2,200 billion dollars in the face of the economic damage caused by the pandemic, expires this Saturday evening. 

Tenants or owners having trouble paying their rent or mortgage could be evicted as of January 1.

The current funding for state services also expires on Monday, threatening part of the federal administration with paralysis ("shutdown").

Joe Biden said that with his presidential victory in November, "the American people had made it clear that the time for action supported by both parties and for compromise had come".

"I was encouraged to see members of Congress heed this message," he said, saying Donald Trump "should join them."

With AFP

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR