While a second round of stimulus checks seemed almost certain earlier this summer, the American people may have to brace themselves for the possibility of another direct payment this year.

Even after all parties agreed on the need for a second $1,200 stimulus package, negotiations between lawmakers and administration officials stalled more than two weeks ago. Democrats and the White House have not committed to resuming negotiations.

During this time, Senate Republicans announced plans for a "skinny" bill that would not include direct payments. No formal proposal has yet been submitted, and since Senators are on recess until September 8, the fate and timing of Stimulus Check 2 remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, another direct payment could be more important to many Americans, as a new CNN report warns economists that the country is headed for a deeper recession and may not recover until 2022.

More than half of the members of the National Association for Business Economics believe that federal unemployment benefits, one of the main sticking points in the stimulus negotiations, should continue.

If a bill with a stimulus check2 is passed, government officials have indicated that payments could begin within a week or two. Those who have their direct deposit information on file with the IRS would be the first to receive their payments, while paper checks and debit cards would be sent out a few weeks later.

Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to repeal Stimulus Check 2 (although federal unemployment insurance would be extended at a discounted rate), but most other stimulus proposals would re-award $1,200 to Americans who became eligible under the CARES Act earlier this spring.

Both the House-approved HEROES Act and the Senate-proposed HEALS Act would provide $1,200 to individuals earning less than $75,000 per year (if single) or $150,000 per year (if married). The benefits are prorated up to annual incomes of $99,000 and $198,000, respectively.

The main difference between the two bills is the amount received by dependents. Both extend benefits to include dependents regardless of age, but the HEROES Act would provide $1,200 per dependent (up to $6,000 per family), while the HEALS Act would provide $500 per dependent (no cap).

A third Senate Republican proposal would provide $1,000 per individual (both adults and dependents), but with a lower income cap.