Jobless Benefits Lapse For Millions As Trump Withholds Signature On Relief Bill

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President Trump left for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this week without signing the measure. The legislation was also sent to the Sunshine State just in case.

Patrick Semansky/AP

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Patrick Semansky/AP

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«It’s 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.

The president-elect went on to note that further delay could end an eviction moratorium and halt much-needed aid to small business owners hit hard by the pandemic. Furthermore, the president-elect warned of dire effects if a government shutdown were allowed to happen.

«This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now,» Biden said.

While it is unclear whether Trump will sign the legislation, it is also unclear whether Trump will veto it. If he does so, Congress would have enough votes to override.

NPR’s Jim Zarroli contributed to this report.

• coronavirus relief
• President Trump
• Congress