By: Teddy Grant

President Joe Biden signed the COVID-19 relief bill on Thursday, one day earlier than was originally planned, CBS News reports.   

“This historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation, working people, middle-class folks, people who built the country, a fighting chance,” Biden said before signing the bill in the oval office.

Vice-President Kamala Harris joined Biden in the White House where he turned the American Rescue Plan into law.

The president’s decision to sign the bill comes hours before the president is set to make his first primetime address to the country, addressing the pandemic’s past year shutting down much of the country.  

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which Congress passed on Wednesday, provides Americans with some economic relief.  

Most Americans will receive direct payment of $1,400, expanded unemployment benefits, billions for COVID-19 vaccinations and much-needed economic relief to industries hard hit by the pandemic. 

Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect that President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan.