Trump Wants Cash Sent To Americans To Curb Coronavirus Costs

WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to offset the economic burden from the ongoing new coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday the Trump administration wants to send money to Americans as quickly as possible.

"Americans need cash now. And the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now, in the next two weeks," Mnuchin said during a Tuesdaynews briefing.

Mnuchin did not specify an amount that might be sent to Americans, but he did note that millionaires would not receive the payment, Politico reported.

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The White House on Tuesday is asking Congress to approve an emergency rescue package to help businesses as well as taxpayers cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mnuchin planned to outline that roughly $850 billion package to Senate Republicans at a private lunch, the Associated Press reported, adding that officials are aiming to have Congress approve it this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised swift action.

In addition to providing direct relief for Americans, the package would allocate $50 billion specifically to helping the airline industry, the Washington Post reported.

This package comes in addition to a $100 billion-plus package passed Saturday by the House that aims to provide paid sick leave, unemployment insurance and other benefits for impacted workers.

The news follows recommendations by officials urging all older Americans to stay home. Additionally, all Americans are advised to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants, both part of new federal guidelines announced Monday to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases.

President Donald Trump for the first time Monday acknowledged the coronavirus pandemic may send the U.S. economy into a recession and suggested the nation may be dealing with the virus until "July or August," according to AP.

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