Unemployment payments for millions of Americans were suspended after US President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign a bill to help with the COVID-19 pandemic and government spending, which this week after lengthy negotiations It was initially passed by Congress.

Trump did not sign the $ 900 billion economic aid package, and commented on Twitter the day before: “I want our amazing people to get $ 2,000, not pay $ 600 in bills.” It is also necessary to remove billions of dollars of “feeders”.

The document rejected by Trump includes, among other things, weekly additional unemployment benefits of $ 300 for people who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Nearly 11 million people left without assistance due to late gains on the evening of 26 December. The bill also includes lump sum payments of up to $ 600 for Americans with a fixed income level.

Trump’s refusal to sign the bill brought the government closer to closure, including spending rules to finance the government. A partial shutdown of the government will begin as soon as the money runs out at midnight on December 29.

President-Elect Joe Biden called for Trump to sign the bill before the deadline. He accused Trump of “denying responsibility”, which would have “disastrous consequences”.

It is possible that Congress will still have enough votes to lift Trump’s veto. But it is unclear whether lawmakers will be able to come to an agreement on the bill after the Congress resumes in the new week.