With Relief Bill In Limbo, Lapse In Jobless Benefits Inevitable

WASHINGTON, DC — While the future of a $900 billion coronavirus economic relief package remains in question, one fact is certain — extra unemployment benefits for more than 12 million struggling, out-of-work Americans will expire on Saturday.

A $900 billion economic relief package passed by Congress earlier this week included extended unemployment benefits for those out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic. Once the measure becomes law, millions will receive an additional $300 in weekly benefits through March.

But on the day current benefits are set to expire, President Donald Trump is still refusing to sign the legislation unless Congress increases the $600 direct payments to Americans included in the bill to $2,000.

The country is also facing a looming government shutdown on Tuesday and the expiration of a moratorium on evictions at the end of the year because of the president’s refusal to sign the bill.

Now, even if Trump signs the bill on Saturday, those out of work are likely to see a lapse in unemployment benefits. Should he take longer to sign the bill, delays could prove more costly, according to a New York Times report.

Read more via The New York Times