US President Donald Trump rejected a new Covid-19 relief package approved by legislators, calling it 'a disgrace'. AFP
US President Donald Trump rejected a new Covid-19 relief package approved by legislators, calling it 'a disgrace'. AFP
US President Donald Trump rejected a new Covid-19 relief package approved by legislators, calling it 'a disgrace'. AFP
US President Donald Trump rejected a new Covid-19 relief package approved by legislators, calling it 'a disgrace'. AFP

US Covid relief bill at risk after Trump demands more stimulus money


Patrick deHahn
  • English
  • Arabic

US President Donald Trump said he might not sign the huge $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill Congress passed on Monday.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump said in a video on Twitter that he was disappointed with the bill Congress agreed to after weeks of extensive negotiations.

"The bill they are now planning to send back to my desk is much different than anticipated," Mr Trump said. "It really is a disgrace."

Mr Trump said he wanted stimulus checks to be $2,000 for Americans and $4,000 for families.

The current bill would send $600 to Americans who earned up to $75,000 in 2019, and another $600 to those who have dependent children in their families.

Mr Trump called it "ridiculously low." The $600 is less than the $1,200 stimulus check sent in the beginning of the US pandemic outbreak.

"I'm also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation, and to send me a suitable bill."

The spending items he criticised – for having nothing to do with the pandemic – were for the Smithsonian museum and research institution, foreign countries and other examples.

These items are part of the US government funding package, of which the Covid relief bill is part, as is practice in US legislation.

"Or else the next administration will have to deliver a Covid relief package. And maybe that administration will be me," Mr Trump concluded.

He still has not conceded the 2020 election to president-elect Joe Biden, who is expected to be inaugurated on January 20.

Mr Biden, on Tuesday called the bill a "down payment" and promised that he would ask Congress to approve additional Covid-related funding and stimulus checks.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale 

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse

Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

McLaren GT specs

Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed

Power: 620bhp

Torque: 630Nm

Price: Dh875,000

On sale: now

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
RESULTS

Bantamweight title:
Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) bt Xavier Alaoui (MAR)
(KO round 2)
Catchweight 68kg:
Sean Soriano (USA) bt Noad Lahat (ISR)
(TKO round 1)
Middleweight:
Denis Tiuliulin (RUS) bt Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
(TKO round 1)
Lightweight:
Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR) bt Joachim Tollefsen (DEN)
(Unanimous decision)
Catchweight 68kg:
Austin Arnett (USA) bt Daniel Vega (MEX)
(TKO round 3)
Lightweight:
Carrington Banks (USA) bt Marcio Andrade (BRA)
(Unanimous decision)
Catchweight 58kg:
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) bt Malin Hermansson (SWE)
(Submission round 2)
Bantamweight:
Jalal Al Daaja (CAN) bt Juares Dea (CMR)
(Split decision)
Middleweight:
Mohamad Osseili (LEB) bt Ivan Slynko (UKR)
(TKO round 1)
Featherweight:
Tarun Grigoryan (ARM) bt Islam Makhamadjanov (UZB)
(Unanimous decision)
Catchweight 54kg:
Mariagiovanna Vai (ITA) bt Daniella Shutov (ISR)
(Submission round 1)
Middleweight:
Joan Arastey (ESP) bt Omran Chaaban (LEB)
(Unanimous decision)
Welterweight:
Bruno Carvalho (POR) bt Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
(TKO)