US President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law the $2 trillion stimulus package to boost the US economy in the face of the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.
The $2 trillion package is the largest emergency aid package in US history. CNN reported the package represents "a massive financial injection into a struggling economy with provisions aimed at helping American workers, small businesses and industries grappling with the economic disruption".
The House of Representatives approved the bill for the stimulus on Friday after it passed in the Senate earlier in the week.
Key features of the stimulus package include sending monetary assistance directly to individuals and families, enhanced unemployment benefits, assistance for small businesses, aid for hospitals and $500 billion in loans for companies affected by the coronavirus disruption. The stimulus package seeks to deliver $1,200 to every American earning less than $75,000 annually and $500 per child.
The US has become the country with the most novel coronavirus infections, surpassing Italy and China this week. As of early Saturday, there were a total of 104,142 cases of coronavirus and 1,696 deaths as a result of the virus.
Trump slams Republican representative
Trump criticised Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie who demanded a full House be present to discuss and vote on the stimulus package. Massie had criticised lawmakers for not returning to Washington DC amid the coronavirus situation, telling a radio station, "what about the truckers that I saw on the road when I drove to DC? Hitch a ride with the trucker..."
Trump tweeted, "Looks like a third rate Grandstander named @RepThomasMassie, a Congressman from, unfortunately, a truly GREAT State, Kentucky, wants to vote against the new Save Our Workers Bill in Congress. He just wants the publicity. He can't stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous & costly.”
"Workers & small businesses need money now in order to survive. Virus wasn't their fault. It is "HELL" dealing with the Dems, had to give up some stupid things in order to get the "big picture" done. 90% GREAT! WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!" Trump tweeted.
