Biden previews COVID-19 proposal ‘in the trillions of dollars’

President-elect Joe Biden on Friday previewed a COVID-19 relief bill that he said would be “in the trillions,” setting the stage for the first major legislative battle of his presidency.

“As I’ve said before, the bipartisan COVID relief package passed in December is an important step, but just a downpayment,” Biden said in a speech announcing new Cabinet nominees.

“Next week, I will be laying out the groundwork for the next COVID economic relief package that meets this critical moment for our economy and country,” he added.

Biden outlined several provisions of the bill, which appear to line up with some of his campaign promises on coronavirus relief.

Among them was “billions of dollars” to improve the vaccine rollout, extending unemployment benefits set to expire in March and April, action on housing and sending out $2,000 stimulus checks.