Mitt Romney backs plan to give Americans $1,000 each month during coronavirus outbreak
MITT Romney has backed a plan to give Americans $1,000 each month during the coronavirus outbreak.
The proposal comes as U.S. lawmakers rush to inject cash and resources to bolster the economy amid coronavirus fears.
The Utah Republican suggested the idea in a series of proposals Monday.
A release from Romney's office said: “Every American adult should immediately receive $1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy."
Former top economic adviser to President George W. Bush Greg Mankiw also embraced the idea.
Speaking to , he said: "I would start with a $1,000 check for every American, sent out as quickly as possible.
"That would work out to be about 1.7% of GDP. But if this pandemic continues, we might have to do it again in a month."
The senator suggested that Congress go beyond the measures taken in the House coronavirus response package.
He added: “Congress took similar action during the 2001 and 2008 recessions.
"While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options.”
Romney’s other policy proposals include providing grants to small businesses and easing financial burdens for students by allowing loan deferments for recent graduates impacted by the virus.
He has also supported actions to bolster telehealth services amid the outbreak.
A statement from Romney's office said: "We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations, ease the financial burden on students entering the workforce, and protect health workers on the front lines and their patients by improving telehealth services.
"I will be pushing these measures as Senate discussions continue about an additional relief package."
Every American adult should immediately receive $1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy.
Mitt Romney
As the coronavirus outbreak in the United States has worsened, more businesses have felt the pinch of restrictions and the market plunged into turmoil Monday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average sunk 2,442 points during intraday trading.
A growing number of cities and states have begun to impose restrictions on bars and restaurants.
Romney has also proposed providing grants from the Small Business Administration to help businesses continue to be able to pay employees or make rent.
'NATIONAL EMERGENCY'
The House early Saturday morning as part of a multi-billion coronavirus aid package.
The was passed after Trump declared a on Friday, freeing up $50 billion in federal aid.
Senators are returning to Washington on Monday to consider swift approval of an earlier aid package from the House, which provides sick pay, free testing and emergency food aid for families. That's on top of the initial $8.5 billion in aid that was approved two weeks ago.
But some GOP senators have raised concerns that the measure don't go far enough to help small businesses or aid in American's being able to cover short-term costs, particularly if they are laid off work.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said discussions were already underway about potential "next steps."
"Senate Republicans feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress’s efforts to support our nation’s economy and stand with American families," McConnell said in a statement.
Options under discussion include providing help "directly" to Americans, bolstering the country's economy and small businesses and improving the health care system.
“Discussions are already underway on these key pillars," McConnell said.
"The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves."
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