Updated / Monday, 28 Dec 2020
10:02
Donald Trump had demanded that Congress change the bill to increase the size of stimulus cheques to $2,000 from $600
US President Donald Trump signed into law a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package, restoring unemployment benefits to millions of Americans and averting a federal government shutdown in a crisis of his own making.
Mr Trump backed down from his threat to block the bill, which was approved by Congress last week, after he came under intense pressure from politicians on both sides.
The Republican president had demanded that Congress change the bill to increase the size of stimulus checks for struggling Americans to $2,000 from $600.
Trump signs stimulus and government spending bill into law, averting shutdown
Seung Min Kim, Jeff Stein, Mike DeBonis and Toluse Olorunnipa, The Washington Post
Dec. 27, 2020
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1of3President Donald Trump rides in a motorcade vehicle as he departs Trump International Golf Club, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)Patrick Semansky/Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
2of3WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 27: The U.S. Capitol Building is seen past the Washington Monument as the sun rises on December 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. Millions of Americans lost unemployment benefits today, which they were depending on for support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. President Donald Trump has yet to sign the stimulus relief bill that was passed by overwhelming majorities in the House and Senate last week. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)Samuel Corum/Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
Trump signs COVID relief, averts federal shutdown
By Jill Colvin, Lisa Mascaro and Andrew Taylor - Associated Press
Supporters of President Donald Trump watch his motorcade drive by in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. Trump is en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., after visiting Trump International Golf Club. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.
The deal also provides $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as an increase in food stamp benefits.
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