Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion Covid-19 Stimulus Bill Into Law

President Biden signed into law a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill that will provide direct payments to many Americans, extend enhanced jobless aid and disburse funds for vaccine distribution efforts, marking his first major legislative victory as president.

“This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country,” Mr. Biden said in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, one day after the bill passed the House.

The bill signing event is expected to kick off an administration-wide effort to promote the measure to the public, which will include speeches around the country by the president and his top aides. Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to travel to Georgia next week to discuss the coronavirus package, the White House said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the first direct payments authorized under the relief package will be deposited into bank accounts as soon as this weekend, with additional payments rolling out in the coming weeks.

The White House will host a ceremonial gathering with congressional leaders on Friday to celebrate the signing of the bill, according to aides.