US President-elect Joe Biden has warned of “devastating consequences” on millions of families if President Donald Trump continues to delay signing $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief bill passed by both chambers of Congress, AFP reported on Saturday. 

Trump threw a long-awaited pandemic aid package into doubt last week — demanding lawmakers more than triple the $600 direct payments to US taxpayers.

“This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. Today, about 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits,” Biden said in a statement, AFP reported.

The current federal funding is set to expire on Monday and a funding lapse would furlough millions of federal workers and shut down swathes of U.S. government at a time when it is rushing to distribute two coronavirus vaccines. 

“In just a few days, government funding will expire, putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk. In less than a week, a moratorium on evictions expires, putting millions at risk of being forced from their homes over the holidays,” the Democrat, who is due to take office on January 20, said. 

“Delay means more small businesses won’t survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19,” he added.

In a video late Tuesday, Trump, who is due to leave office in less than a month, called the stimulus bill “a disgrace” — despite it being passed Monday with a large bipartisan majority after months of negotiation.

The legislation was designed to throw a lifeline to businesses and people struggling to keep their heads above water.

But in a pre-recorded statement made in the White House and sent out on Twitter, Trump said he would refuse to accept the bill without changes.

“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple,” the incumbent said.

The move puts Trump at odds with Senate Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, who have ruled out any larger stimulus measures.

Trump also accused the Congress of shortchanging Americans  and drafting a bill keeping the “lobbyists” and “special interests” in mind.

He listed a number of items worth billions going in foreign aid to several countries, including Burma, Egypt, Pakistan and a number of Central American countries, which, he said, had nothing to do with “Covid”.   

Democrats failed Thursday to get a standalone measure through Congress to increase the payments that would go to all taxpayers earning up to $75,000 a year, with smaller amounts for those making up to $99,000.

Biden urged Trump to put an end to the delay and aid the country with the passing of the stimulus package bill.  

“President Trump should join them (US Congress), and make sure millions of Americans can put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads in this holiday season,” Biden concluded.