Biden to push for more payments in the next Covid plan

President-elect Joe Biden will push for a third round of stimulus checks in the next Covid-19 emergency bill, he said Tuesday.

The former vice president said at an event in Wilmington, Del. That his plan requires direct payments to Americans, but refused to specify how big they would be, calling it a matter of negotiation.

“I think you see there is a clear understanding that these issues go beyond any ideology,” Biden said. “People are suffering desperately, and Republicans hurt just as much as Democrats.”

Biden praised his former rival for the Democratic nomination, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, as well as Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., For pushing for instant payments in the latest Covid-19 aid package, issued by Congress Monday night.

The $ 900 billion legislation provided for payments of $ 600 to most Americans, expected to arrive next week. That plan was based on the CARES Act, passed in March and provided for checks for $ 1,200.

Biden’s comments about direct payments came in response to a reporter’s question in response to comments he had made ahead of the upcoming holiday season pertaining to the coronavirus and the recently discovered massive hack on US companies and government agencies.

In his approximately 10-minute speech, Biden warned of the growing toll being taken by Covid-19.

“One thing I promise you about my leadership during this crisis, I’m going to tell you honestly,” said Biden. And here’s the simple truth. Our darkest days in this battle against Covid are ahead, not behind us. ”

Biden said during his remarks that he would present his plan to lawmakers early next year. He will be inaugurated on January 20.

“Congress has done its job this week,” he said. “It can and must do it again next year.”

Biden has repeatedly called the $ 900 billion package a “down payment” and did it again Tuesday. He said more money would be needed to distribute vaccines, reopen schools, and help firefighters, police and nurses.