JOE Biden slammed Donald Trump for an “abdication of responsibility” and demanded that the president sign the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill on Saturday to prevent “devastating consequences.”
Biden’s comments come after Trump raged on Twitter earlier Saturday morning continuing his demands for $2,000 stimulus checks, instead of the $600 checks agreed to by Republicans, in the latest stimulus standoff between politicians over direct payments.
“It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don’t know if they’ll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority,” Biden said in a statement.
He added: “This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences.”
Trump, who has still not committed to a formal veto, spent Christmas Day golfing while railing against the bill — which is attached to a $1.4trillion government funding package that will force a federal government shutdown if not signed.
“I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill,” Trump tweeted on Saturday.
“Also, stop the billions of dollars in ‘pork,’” the president wrote, referring to parts of the bill he considers unnecessary.
Earlier on Saturday, Trump quote tweeted conservative TV and radio talk show host Joe Pagliarulo who criticized the Reuters headline: “Millions of Americans lose jobless benefits as Trump refuses to sign aid bill.”
“I simply wan to get our great people $2000, rather than $600. Also, Congress should cut the ‘pork.,’” Trump tweeted.
Biden went on to describe what would happen if Trump does not immediately sign the critical $900 billion package.
About 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits and government funding will expire in just a few days, putting paychecks for military personnel at risk, according to Biden. A moratorium on evictions will expire within a week causing people to be forced from their homes.
“This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now,” Biden said.
He also noted that the bill is just a “first step and down payment on more action that we’ll need to take early in the new year to revive the economy and contain the pandemic.”
Biden ended his statement by praising the “bipartisan action and compromise” that led to it arriving on President Trump’s desk to be signed.
“I was heartened to see members of Congress heed that message, reach across the aisle, and work together. President Trump should join them, and make sure millions of Americans can put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads in this holiday season,” Biden said.
Last Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hailed the bill as a “bipartisan breakthrough.”
“More help is on the way. Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders of the Senate and House finalized an agreement for another major rescue package for the American people,” McConnell said.
If Trump formally vetoes the stimulus package, Congress could override his veto with a two-third majority vote in both chambers.
However, Trump could also simply refuse to sign the bill forcing a pocket veto, which means Congress could not override it.
