Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan A Day Early

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced on twitter Thursday that President Joe Biden would sign the American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief stimulus into law “within the hour,” a full day ahead of schedule.

Moments later, Joe Biden appeared in the Oval Office to sign the massive, progressive bill into law.

“This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation, working people, middle class folks, people who built the country, a fighting chance,” Biden said before signing. “That’s what the essence of it is.”

Psaki said in a press briefing Thursday that Americans will receive their stimulus checks as soon as this weekend.

The American Rescue Plan will direct massive financial aid aimed to help those suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90% of Americans, including most dependents, will receive $1,400 checks. Americans on unemployment or receiving jobless benefits will gain an additional $300 per week and benefits will be extended through September, $350 billion will be given to state and local governments to assist K-12 schools, $12 billion will be given in nutrition assistance, food stamp beneficiaries will continue to receive a 15% increase in stipend until September, and several billion dollars will go to assist small businesses, vaccine research and vaccine distribution.

Various public figures celebrated online when the bill was signed into law. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler said, “You who voted, you who volunteered, you who donated, you who labored in the darkest moments – you did this, above a picture of Biden signing the bill.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York), who Biden credited with rallying support for the bill, wrote in equal celebration.

Article by Brandon Mumei