U.S. Congress, negotiators reach deal on US$ 2 trillion coronavirus aid package

March 25, 2020, 02.41 PM | Source: Reuters
U.S. Congress, negotiators reach deal on US$ 2 trillion coronavirus aid package

ILUSTRASI. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump react as they prepare to participate in a Fox News 'virtual town hall' event on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak with members of the coronavirus task force on a stage set up in the Rose Garden o


The stimulus package had been expected to boost the economy with a massive infusion of aid, including a US$ 500 billion fund to help hard-hit industries with loans and a comparable amount for direct payments of up to US$ 3,000 to millions of U.S. families.

Other provisions are expected to include US$ 350 billion for small-business loans and US$ 250 billion for expanded unemployment aid.

Schumer said it also included US$ 100 billion for hospitals and health systems, along with additional money for other health care needs. Another $150 billion would go to help state and local governments fight the outbreak.

Schumer said Democrats won strict oversight rules for the hundreds of billions of dollars in loans on offer to U.S. industries.

Read Also: Asian stocks rebound, Fed soothes with boundless QE

One provision, according to a Schumer aide, would bar businesses controlled by real estate mogul Trump and his family, Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress and heads of executive branch departments from receiving loans or investments from Treasury Department programs.

The global pandemic has killed more than 660 people in the United States and sickened more than 50,000, shuttered thousands of businesses, thrown millions out of work and led states to order 100 million people - nearly a third of the population - to stay at home.

The money at stake in the stimulus legislation exceeds the amount the United States spends on national defense, scientific research, highway construction and other discretionary programs, combined.

Editor: Anna Suci Perwitasari

Latest News