House Approves Trillion Dollar ‘American Rescue Plan,’ President To Sign Bill Friday

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the ‘American Rescue Plan’ a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that include the nation’s third round of direct payments to Americans.

The White House press secretary says President Joe Biden is expected to sign the package on Friday.

“The President will sign the bill at the White House on Friday afternoon,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday in a statement. “The bill text will be rechecked, printed, and signed by the appropriate leaders in the House and Senate.”

“The House coach will then deliver it to the White House for the President’s signature,” said Psaki.

The administration, Psaki noted, is “moving full speed ahead on the implementation bill,” citing urgency for the American people.

Among key highlights of the package include up to $1,400-per-person stimulus payments that will send money to about 90% of households, a $300 federal boost to weekly jobless benefits through Sept. 6, and an expansion of the child tax credit of up to $3,600 per child.

The package also offers $350 billion in state and local aid, as well as billions of dollars for K-12 schools to help students return to the classroom, to assist small businesses hard-hit by the pandemic and for vaccine research, development and distribution.

Democrats say more government action is needed to shore up the economy, aid in the recovery and deliver relief to Americans who continue to be hurt by the pandemic.

Republicans, however, have criticized the plan as a partisan wish list of liberal agenda items that is not sufficiently targeted, and have so far put up a united front in opposition.