As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, governments around the world have been introducing various forms of stimulus packages to reignite their respective economies. In the United States, discussions about the stimulus package have been ongoing for several months now, with lawmakers and policymakers struggling to agree on the terms of the stimulus package.
In March 2020, the US government introduced the CARES Act, which provided a $2.2 trillion stimulus package to support businesses and individuals during the pandemic. However, this package was set to expire in December 2020, and discussions about the next round of stimulus started long before the expiration date.
Since then, there have been several proposals introduced in Congress, with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing on the scope and scale of the package. The Democrats have been pushing for a more extensive package, with more support for individuals and businesses, while Republicans have been more hesitant to overstretch the government`s finances.
In recent weeks, some progress has been made, with lawmakers agreeing on the latest round of stimulus totaling $900 billion. This package includes $600 stimulus checks for individuals and an additional $300 in weekly unemployment benefits. The package also includes aid for small businesses, funding for vaccine distribution, and money for schools and universities.
However, even as the package passed through Congress and was signed into law by outgoing President Donald Trump, there are still concerns that it may not be sufficient to support those who require it most. For example, some have criticized the package for failing to include more aid for struggling state and local governments, which may now be forced to make cuts to essential services.
Despite these concerns, the passing of the stimulus package has been seen as a significant step forward in supporting the economy and individuals during the pandemic. As the new administration takes office, there is hope that more significant agreements can be reached on how best to support Americans during this challenging period.