Mnuchin: Trump wants checks sent to public in virus response

LISA MASCARO and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump wants the government to send checks to Americans in the next two weeks in an effort to curb the economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday. "The president has instructed me we have to do this now," he said at the White House briefing. He didn't give details except to say the amount should be significant and millionaires would not get it. The proposal requires approval from Congress. "We want to make sure Americans get money in their pockets quickly," Mnuchin said. The stock market rose during the briefing after a savage drop Monday. The White House on Tuesday was asking Congress to approve a massive emergency rescue package to help businesses, as wel