1. Wide of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden walking up to lectern
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Biden, U.S. President-elect:
"The emptiness felt by the loss of life is compounded by the loss of our way of life. During this pandemic, millions of Americans, through no fault of their own, have lost the dignity and respect that comes with a job and a paycheck."
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3. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Biden, U.S. President-elect:
"Just as we are in the midst of a dark winter of this pandemic, as cases, hospitalizations and deaths spike at record levels, there is real pain overwhelming the real economy."
++WHITE FLASH++
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Biden, U.S. President-elect:
"I'd like to talk to you about our way forward, a two-step plan of rescue and recovery. A two-step plan to build a bridge to the other side of the crisis we face to a better, stronger and more secure America. Tonight, I'll lay out my first step - the American Rescue Plan that will tackle the pandemic and get direct financial assistance and relief to Americans who need it the most."
++WHITE FLASH++
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Biden, U.S. President-elect:
"Our rescue and recovery plan is a path forward with both seriousness of purpose and a clear plan with transparency and accountability, with a call for unity that is equally necessary."
President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan Thursday to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and businesses struggling with the prolonged economic fallout.
Called the “American Rescue Plan,” the legislative proposal would meet Biden's goal of administering 100 million vaccines by the 100th day of his administration, while advancing his objective of reopening most schools by the spring.
On a parallel track, it would deliver another round of aid to stabilize the economy while the public health effort seeks the upper hand on the pandemic, aides said.
It includes $1,400 checks for most Americans, which on top of $600 provided in the most recent COVID-19 bill would bring the total to the $2,000 that Biden has called for.
The plan would also extend a temporary boost in unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures through September.
