GOP Block Democratic Effort To Increase Stimulus Check To $2,000
$600 or $2000 stimulus check?
Republicans in the House of Representatives on Thursday blocked an attempt from House Democrats to pass $2,000 direct payments to Americans, according to CNBC.
The block comes after President Donald Trump called for an increase calling the $900 billion relief package that will include $600 stimulus check a “disgrace.”
The democrats called for an increase of the checks after President Donald Trump tweet.
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2000, or $4,000 for a couple,” Trump said in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday night.
The House of Representatives aimed to pass the $2000 stimulus check during a pro forma session.
“If the President is serious about the $2,000 direct payments, he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction,” Pelosi House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement after the vote.
Congress originally agreed to a bipartisan $900 billion relief package that included $600 stimulus checks.
A number of major media outlets – including The Washington Post, Fox News, The New York Times and USA Today – reported that the relief package will include funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, as well as funding for small businesses, hospitals, and schools.
President Donald Trump called the $900 billion Covid relief bill passed by Congress an unsuitable “disgrace” and urged lawmakers to make a number of changes to the measure, including bigger direct payments to individuals and families.
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4000 for a couple,” Trump said in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday night.
In response, Speaker Of the House Nancy Pelosi Republicans repeatedly refused to say what amount the President wanted for direct checks. At last, the President has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it! https://t.co/Th4sztrpLV
Republicans repeatedly refused to say what amount the President wanted for direct checks. At last, the President has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it! https://t.co/Th4sztrpLV
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 23, 2020
The legislation passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof majorities.
The Washington Post notes, “Lawmakers had already finalized key economic relief measures, including stimulus checks up to $600 per person. The size of that benefit would be reduced for people who earned more than $75,000 in 2019, similar to the last round of stimulus checks, according to two people who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of private deliberations. The stimulus checks would provide $600 per adult and child, meaning a family of four would receive $2,400 up to a certain income.”
The Washington Post added, “Congress would also extend federal unemployment benefits of up to $300 per week, which could start as early as Dec. 27.”
