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Weekend: US Coronavirus relief package under threat

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US Coronavirus relief package under threat

26/12/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - Weekend, US Coronavirus relief package under threat

Millions of Americans face going without unemployment benefits amid a political standoff

Millions of Americans face going without unemployment benefits amid a political standoff.

Unemployment benefit payments for millions of Americans are due to end on Saturday as a result of a standoff between President Trump and Congress. It's estimated that twelve million people will lose benefits from two coronavirus relief programmes introduced earlier this year. 

Also in the programme: An explosion in Nashville and A BBC's correspondent's take on how Italy has coped with the pandemic.

Joining Ben James to discuss these and other issues are: Catherine Barnard, Professor of Law and a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge and Robert Fox, a British journalist and broadcaster.

(Picture: Some 14 million Americans are at risk of a lapse in payments. Credit: Getty Images)

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