U.S. lawmakers are debating more COVID-19 stimulus funding for the business community in an effort to stem the tide of economic struggles tied to the rapid spread of the omicron variant of the virus, The Washington Post reported Wednesday (Jan. 5).
Legislators are eyeing a package that includes billions of dollars to help restaurants, performance venues, gyms and minor league sports teams, among other types of businesses, the report stated, citing unnamed sources.
The White House and two lawmakers said to be leading the discussions declined comment to the Post, according to the report.
President Joe Biden approved the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in March, while former President Donald Trump approved nearly $900 billion in coronavirus-related funding in December 2020 as part of a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package. Congress had also passed bills allocating $3 trillion to fight the pandemic.
The more than 1 million COVID-19 cases registered Monday (Jan. 3) in the U.S. set a single-day record, but they come with the caveat that the number included a testing backlog for coronavirus tests done during the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Read more: US One-Day Record of 1M+ COVID-19 Positives Includes New Year’s Backlog
Biden Tuesday (Jan. 4) said vaccinated Americans should “be concerned about omicron, but don’t be alarmed,” adding it’s “highly unlikely” vaccinated people would become “seriously ill” from the variant. Unvaccinated people have “some reason to be alarmed,” he said, pushing for adults and eligible children to get their vaccinations and booster shots.
The December Main Street Index (MSI) report, a PYMNTS and Melio collaboration, showed that growth paths in the wake of COVID-19 seem to vary region to region, and your status when it comes to pandemic-related employment patterns and regional regulatory changes depends largely on where you live.
See more: Recovery Depends on Where You Live
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More