As millions of Americans hunker down in their homes to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the federal government is working to help those whose lives have been impacted by the global pandemic.
On Tuesday (March 17), Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the Trump administration is considering a plan to send checks directly to the American people.
"We are looking at sending checks to Americans immediately," Mnuchin said during a press conference at the White House. "Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now in the next two weeks."
Munchin did not provide specific details about the plan while speaking to reporters but suggested it will be targeted at Americans who need financial help.
"We don't need to send people who make a million dollars a year checks," Mnuchin said.
President Donald Trump said that sending money to Americans is not the only solution his administration is working on. He told reporters that he is hoping Congress will pass a payroll tax holiday, but was worried that could take months to happen.
"We're looking at payroll tax, and we're looking at other various forms of getting money to people," Trump said. "We don't really have months."
Trump has asked Congress for $850 billion, which would be used to help small businesses and provide loans to industries impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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