Biden: "The Worst of COVID-19 Has Not Come... Will Distribute Cash Again"

Promise to Promote Economic Stimulus Bill Including Cash Payments After Inauguration
"Scale Needs to Be Negotiated"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] President-elect Joe Biden of the United States strongly indicated the passage of an additional economic stimulus bill after his inauguration. He also emphasized the need to provide more direct cash payments to the public.

On the 22nd (local time), Biden held a press conference in Wilmington, Delaware, stating, "I will propose an economic stimulus bill including cash payments after my inauguration in January next year." He added, "Congress did its job yesterday. They must return to the negotiating table next year."

In response, U.S. media interpreted that although Congress passed an additional $900 billion economic stimulus bill including $600 cash payments a day earlier, Biden believes this is insufficient. He also described the $900 billion as a "downpayment" for a larger stimulus bill.

When asked about the scale of the economic stimulus measures he plans to prepare, Biden explained, "It depends on the negotiations."

The Democratic Party initially hoped for a $2 trillion stimulus bill but had to settle for a $900 billion agreement amid Republican opposition. Biden had previously stated that even if the amount was small, an agreement should be reached as delays occurred due to differences over the amount.

Regarding this, The New York Times cited reports that President Trump hoped for $2,000 cash payments, noting that Biden and Trump share the same view on providing cash payments to the public.

Having received the COVID-19 vaccine a day earlier, Biden also emphasized that the worst situation due to the spread of COVID-19 has not yet arrived.

Biden said, "Our darkest days have not yet come. It is not over," urging Americans to brace themselves and prepare firmly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.