House Republicans blocked an attempt by the Democrats to pass a stimulus check of $2000 to Americans, leaving the future of the coronavirus stimulus bill uncertain. The Democrats attempted to increase the amount in the checks following President Trump’s threat of opposing the pandemic aid of $2 trillion and funding bill as it includes just $600 in stimulus check instead of the $2000.
Size Of The Stimulus Check, A Big Doubt
The proposal was passed by Congress on Monday after Trump played no part in negotiations. The plan includes $900 billion for coronavirus relief. Trying to decrease the cost of the plan, most of the Republicans wanted a $600 stimulus check instead of the CARES Act’s $1200 in March. While criticizing the bill, Trump pointed to the spending on foreign aid that Washington includes inside the funding bills every year. The payments of $2000 were tried for passing by the House in the pro forma session on the day of Christmas Eve which is a chamber meeting which just a small number of members attend.
Democratic lawmakers aimed to approve the measure via unanimous consent that means it takes only a single lawmaker to block it. Steny Hoyer, Republican proposed it on the floor of the House but that got blocked as the measure didn’t get approved by Kevin McCarthy, Republican Minority Leader, House. Subsequently, Rob Wittman, a Republican asked lawmakers for reconsidering various details of the bill regarding foreign aid. That particular move got blocked by the Democrats.
Many Democrats and economists have termed the relief plan of $900 billion inadequate after having a stalemate for months on Capitol Hill. Democrats plan on rushing for another stimulus bill following President-elect Biden’s taking office on 20th January. Biden has talked about presenting his plan to the lawmakers next year and pushing for the 3rd round of stimulus checks. Democrats have mentioned more local and state government aid and direct payments as their priorities.
