WASHINGTON – President Biden in an appeal with House Democrats said he was open to sending $ 1,400 payments to a smaller group of Americans in the next round of coronavirus legislation and changing the overall price tag of his $ 1.9 trillion plan. according to people familiar with the call.
Mr Biden told House Democrats on Wednesday that he would not change the amount of the proposed $ 1,400 payments because he said that amount was promised, according to the people.
Instead, he said he would consider handling them differently from the previous two rounds of direct aid to Americans. Members of both political parties have questioned whether the $ 1,400 payments he proposed will go to people who don’t need the help.
‘We better focus on that number. I’m okay with that, “said Mr. Biden, according to people.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki later said on Wednesday that Mr. Biden is open to changes in the threshold for those eligible for the $ 1,400 stimulus vouchers. “That’s something that’s being discussed,” she said.