Negotiations are continuing on a second round of COVID relief even as a deadline for another government shutdown looms.
The $900 billion measure includes enhanced unemployment benefits and relief for businesses and some hard-hit industries. It leaves out two points of contention that have held up recent negotiations – funding for state and local governments and liability protection for businesses against COVID-related lawsuits.
The new package does contain direct payments but at lower levels than in the CARES Act passed in March during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act provided up to $2,400 for married couples and $1,200 for single people with $500 per dependent. The new proposal would offer $600 to $700 per individual though it’s unclear if additional money will be available for dependents.
The $600 stimulus mirrors an earlier proposal from the White House.
The exact details of the package are still being negotiated and time is running short. The stimulus package is attached to a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending deal which must pass by Friday in order to prevent a government shutdown at midnight, Fox News reported.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told CNN Congress would likely miss that deadline and that it was “highly likely” the Senate would hold a rare weekend session, meaning a temporary measure would have to be passed to keep the government open.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said his chamber could take up the bill by Friday.
“The last few items that need to be resolved, which are being discussed now. If we can get that done, I’d like to put it on the floor tomorrow. Even if it’s late tomorrow into the evening hours,” he said. “I can guarantee we’ll get a deal done, I can’t guarantee how soon it’s going to be.”
If Congress does pass a stimulus measure, people would likely start receiving direct payments in mid-January.
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December 18, 2020 at 01:21AM
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Second stimulus check: New COVID stimulus package has $600 direct payments - AL.com
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