WILMINGTON (Delaware, US), Dec 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — President-elect Joe Biden said he will ask Congress for another Covid-19 relief bill when he takes office, insisting that Americans want Republicans and Democrats to work together again after Donald Trump goes.
Biden cast himself as a leader eager to work for the whole country during a national health and economic crisis, in contrast to Trump’s divisive style.
“There’s a clear understanding that these issues go beyond any ideology. People are desperately hurting and the Republicans are hurting as badly as Democrats,” he told reporters in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, where he is preparing his transition to power on Jan 20.
Congress passed a $900 billion economic relief bill on Monday after months of wrangling.
But coronavirus deaths are rocketing and the economy remains at risk after a year of severe disruption. Biden said more assistance for businesses, the unemployed and healthcare facilities is needed — and quickly.
“Congress did its job this week. And I can and I must ask them to do it again next year,” Biden said during a pre-holidays speech to the nation before taking questions from journalists.
“This bill is just a first step — a down payment — on addressing the crisis we’re in. We have a lot more work to do.”
Biden cited the need for more resources for vaccine distribution, for testing to reopen schools, and for support for everyone from firefighters and police to nurses.
Addressing the “millions of hurting families who are unable to put food on the table, pay rent or the mortgage,” he said they would all continue to need help well into next year. — NNN-AGENCIES
