Republicans and Democrats agree on US economic package
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Republicans and Democrats in Congress reached an agreement on Saturday on an estimated $900 billion economic package for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak. Voting on it is scheduled for Sunday.
The epidemic aid act is to be combined with the act financing the government's operation for the financial year 2021. Thanks to the adoption of the package, it will be possible to avoid "shutdown", i.e. the closure of part of the federal administration. The Congress already twice in December "bought time" for negotiations by passing a few days long provisional budget bills ensuring the functioning of government institutions.
Under the agreement between the Republicans and Democrats, the package will include much-anticipated direct financial transfers for most Americans. They will range from $600 to $700. Two weeks after the bill is passed, the first US citizens should receive funds in their accounts.
This kind of federal support will be granted to US citizens after an extremely difficult economic fall for them. Nearly 8 million Americans fell into poverty between June and November, according to a study by the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame. In addition, over 27 million people lack food, and over 13 million do not pay their rent or mortgage on time.
(PAP)
