threaten the world s security and prosperity, in an exclusive interview with the bbc. we start in the us where, as you ve been hearing, president biden has been giving his first televised address since taking office. before that though, he signed a record breaking $1.9 trillion economic rescue package for the us into law, after it passed its final vote in congress on wednesday. the first direct payments of $1,400, which will benefit most americans, are expected to start arriving over the weekend. there s also bailout money for state and local governments and an increase in child and unemployment benefit, as welll as more funding for vaccination. the plan was unanimously opposed by house republicans, critics say it goes way beyond what s needed to tackle the pandemic fallout, and risks stoking inflation. so what are the long term implications? ed stringham is economics professor at trinity college in hartford, connecticut, and president of american institute for economic resea