"We're looking at sending checks to Americans immediately," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who has led negotiations with GOP Senators on an economic stimulus package.
The White House on Tuesday floated an $850 billion figure for a package which would also include aid for the airline and hotel industries, both battered by the collateral economic damage from the virus.
"This is worse that Nine Eleven," Mnuchin said of the impact on U.S. airlines.
Secretary @stevenmnuchin1: "We're looking at sending checks to Americans immediately."
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 17, 2020
On airline industry: "This is worse than 9/11." pic.twitter.com/eklcLUDP7J
"With this invisible enemy, we don't want airlines going out of business," the President added.
Mnuchin did not give reporters a figure on how much the checks would be worth - but $1,000 has been talked about.
The legislative push on direct payments to Americans came as the Senate was still waiting to vote on a $106 billion House-passed plan to allow for free Coronavirus testing, and provide sick leave for many workers.
As for the immediate response to the Coronavirus, the President said the Army Corps of Engineers could be pressed into service to help bolster medical facilities with temporary field tent hospitals.
Dr. Debbie Birx addresses hospitals and dentists, saying “let's all be responsible and cancel things we can cancel to free up the hospital beds and space.” https://t.co/zGoU0VNxJl pic.twitter.com/RUNVslWtoq
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 17, 2020
Asked about domestic travel restrictions, the President again held out the possibility, if new guidelines issued on Monday don't get the spread of the virus under control in the United States.
On the issue of spring break vacations, Mr. Trump said it might be better if Americans would just stay home.
"I would say enjoy your home. I would recommend that they just enjoy their living room."
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