House Democrats responded to President Trump’s call for stimulus payments to increase to $ 2,000 per adult by saying they are willing to address the measure by “unanimous agreement” this week.
Driving the news: Trump indicated in a video On Tuesday night, he will not sign the $ 900 billion coronavirus bill and $ 1.4 trillion in government funding passed by Congress if not amended to increase stimulus payments.
- Trump’s Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was involved in the negotiation of the bill, said on Monday that the $ 600 checks approved by Congress would go out next week.
- But Trump said he is asking Congress to send him an amended bill, calling on lawmakers to increase “the ridiculously low” amount Americans would receive for COVID relief to $ 2,000 per adult or $ 4,000. for a few, and “get rid of wasted and unnecessary items”. in the expense account.
What they say: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), tweeted, “Republicans repeatedly refused to say what amount the president wanted for direct checks. Finally, the president has agreed to $ 2,000 – Democrats are willing to unanimously take this to the floor this week. Let’s do it!”
House majority leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) Said in a Twitter messageHouse Democrats have fought for months to help the American people, which the Republicans have rejected at every turn. Now that the president has agreed to direct payments of $ 2,000, we will ask for unanimous approval to pass a bill this week to give Americans this aid. . “
Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader (DN.Y.) urged Trump to sign the current bill “to help people and keep the government open.”
- “We are pleased to be able to pass on more aid that Americans need,” Schumer tweeted. “Maybe Trump can finally make himself useful and get the Republicans not to block it again.”
The big picture: Trump’s surprise announcement on Tuesday could delay much-needed help for millions of Americans if the president decides not to sign the package as it is. It also risks a government shutdown on Dec. 28.
Go deeper: Trump asks Congress to increase stimulus payments