House Democrats push for second stimulus checks

Discussions for a second stimulus check was one both Republicans and Democrats agreed on until it all fell apart. This has left US lawmakers in a limbo as to how to get more relief packages to millions of Americans without letting their differences get in the way.

In early September, Senate Republicans pushed for a smaller bill through Congress despite the contention between both parties. But the new relief proposal excluded the second round of $1,200 stimulus checks. Due to that, the bill did not get the much needed 60 votes to proceed to the next level.

During a congressional hearing on Tuesday with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, House Democrats rejected the new relief package which excluded the second round of stimulus checks.

The economic impact payments must be made because the rent must be paid,” said Rep Al Green (D-Texas). “If we do not do this, we will out persons at risk of being evicted at a time when we are having a pandemic that is still taking lives in this country.”

The Democratic House member said it was a big concern that the Treasury Department does not have adequate data on the number of people who qualified for the first round of stimulus checks but are yet to receive them, according to a report from a new Government Accountability Office.

When asked by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) if having a second stimulus package could help stabilize the economy, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said the administration was in support of “another stimulus payment.”

"I think you need to be very clear with the senators… that direct payments to individuals is critical to preventing an economic collapse in our county," Tlaib said.

While House Democrats and Senate Republicans, both put forward proposals for another stimulus relief package which includes a second round of direct payments. It remains unclear when conclusions will be made and the money sent out to Americans.

“We obviously can’t pass a bill in the Senate without bipartisan support,” Mnuchin said. “Our job is to continue to work with Congress to get additional help to the American public.”

Some analysts speculate that the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the race to occupy the vacant seat could cause Congress to create another coronavirus stimulus deal.