KEY POINTS

  • Top senior executives from American companies back Biden's $1.9 trillion relief bill
  • In a letter to congressional leaders, the  executives argue the bill will improve the U.S. economy
  • Democrats aim to pass the legislation before March 14

More than 150 top business executives from some of the largest American companies across multiple industries voiced their support for President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief package and $1,400 stimulus checks.

In a letter addressed to bipartisan congressional leaders sent Wednesday, the group of senior executives urged Congress to “act swiftly” and approve more relief to help improve the U.S. economy.

"Previous federal relief measures have been essential, but more must be done to put the country on a trajectory for a strong, durable recovery. Congress should act swiftly and on a bipartisan basis to authorize a stimulus and relief package along the lines of the Biden-Harris administration's proposed American Rescue Plan," the letter obtained by CNN read.

"Strengthening the public health response to coronavirus is the first step toward economic restoration. The American Rescue Plan mobilizes a national vaccination program, delivers economic relief to struggling families, and supports communities that were most damaged by the pandemic."

The letter was signed by senior executives representing some of the most powerful businesses in the U.S. The list includes David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast; as well as executives from Intel, Lowes Hotels & Co. and United Airlines.

The support provides a boost to the Biden administration's relief package as the House plans to move towards a final vote on Friday. The Senate is expected to vote on the package shortly after.

Democrats are aiming to have the bill signed by President Biden before the federal unemployment insurance expires on March 14.

“The House will vote on Friday on @POTUS’ #AmericanRescuePlan to end this pandemic and deliver urgently needed relief to America’s families and small businesses. The American people strongly support this bill, and we are moving swiftly to see it enacted into law,” Majority Leader Steny Hoyer tweeted late Tuesday.

The American Rescue Plan includes provisions for a third round of stimulus checks to single taxpayers earning up to $75,000 and married couples making up to $150,000 each year.

The package also includes more funding for vaccine development and distribution, a boost to the weekly unemployment benefits, an increase in the federal minimum wage and child tax credit.

It remains to be seen how US President Joe Biden will respond to the new attacks
It remains to be seen how US President Joe Biden will respond to the new attacks AFP / SAUL LOEB