Although the second round of stimulus checks was put on hold during the recent coronavirus relief negotiations, there is still a possibility of a $1,200 direct payment to low-income Americans by the end of this year.

Indeed, a second stimulus package could be distributed in mid-October if Congress can agree on legislation by September 30, the annual government budget deadline.

According to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (via AS), if the Senate passes a bill containing a second stimulus package on September 30, President Trump could sign it as early as October 2.

With the infrastructure still in place for the first round of the stimulus package, the second round would begin reaching eligible taxpayers by the week of October 12.

Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also agreed to avoid a government shutdown with a short-term spending bill if the two parties are still at odds at the end of the month.

The apparent cooperation between Pelosi and Mnuchin on government spending may bode well for the stimulus package. The White House, Republican, and Democratic leaders had been divided for more than a month over how much bailout money was needed.

Now that the Senate and House are back in session, Congress is expected to begin work on a stimulus bill that meets the demands of both parties.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's $500 billion bill did not receive sufficient support for passage.

The bill also does not include a stimulus check. Negotiators on all sides, including President Trump, are in favor of another round of direct payments, which could be included in future legislation.