The final version of the $ 1.9 trillion (or € 1.6 trillion) economic stimulus plan wanted by US President Joe Biden was approved on Wednesday March 10 by the House of Representatives.
With the support of the Democrats alone, this is a major achievement for the president, fifty days after arriving at the White House.
The $ 1.9 trillion plan was approved by 220 votes, against 211 including a Democrat.
The US president is due to promulgate it on Friday March 12, in time to avoid the planned suspension of exceptional unemployment benefits.
Speaking shortly before the text was passed by the House of Representatives, where Democrats have a narrow majority, the White House spokeswoman said Joe Biden planned to enact the text on Friday.
The White House is advancing "at full speed" on the implementation of the plan, which notably provides for direct aid of 1,400
dollars (approx. 1,170 euros) for most Americans, Jen Psaki told reporters.
Called the "American Rescue Plan", this massive plan should make it possible to finance the vaccination campaign against Covid-19 and the purchase of medical supplies, as well as new support measures for households, small businesses and local authorities.
It also includes measures to combat poverty, unheard of since the 1960s.
Aid planned under a previous budget package was due to expire on Sunday, the deadline Democrats set to adopt the plan.
With AFP and Reuters
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