Stimulus Check 2 Could Be Delayed As White House and Republicans Clash

Stimulus Check 2 Could Be Delayed As White House and Republicans Clash

Negotiations over the second round of the stimulus package are underway, but it seems unlikely that a final bill will be passed before the end of July, as the White House and Senate Republicans differ greatly on what to include.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) outlined the basics of the Senate Republicans' initial proposal, which includes additional stimulus funds for individuals and families, an extension of the paycheck protection program, and funds to help schools reopen.

However, priorities differ between President Trump, senators, and the senators themselves; CNN reports that the White House is advocating for a payroll tax cut, and President Trump has indicated he will veto any proposal that does not include this measure.

Many Senators are either reluctant or outright opposed to a payroll tax cut. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said earlier this week that another direct payment would be more beneficial.

On top of that, Senate Republicans are reportedly at odds with each other, leaving the possibility that lawmakers may struggle to reach agreement quickly.

According to multiple sources, Tuesday's meeting between White House representatives and top Republican senators was fraught with acrimony, with Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asking other attendees, "What the hell are we doing?

The only thing the Senate Republican leadership and the White House can agree on now is that they need to come up with one plan. That way, they can show unity in their negotiations with House Democrats, who passed a second stimulus bill two months ago.

Unfortunately, many Americans feel threatened. Federal unemployment benefits (an additional $600 per week provided under the Careers Act) expire on July 31, and state unemployment programs that require reapplication to receive extended benefits will again be burdened and may be delayed in processing. In addition, the Senate is scheduled to recess again on August 10.

If this stimulus package is not finalized soon, Americans may have to wait until after September for relief.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who is negotiating with Congress on behalf of the White House, has said his goal is to get the bill passed before federal unemployment insurance expires later this month. Senate leaders, however, are skeptical that will happen.

House Democrats passed the Heroes Bill in May, which funds the second round of the stimulus package. The bill would extend payments to families with dependents and taxpayers without Social Security numbers.

The same income limits would apply, with only single taxpayers making less than $99,000 and married taxpayers (joint filers) making less than $198,000 receiving benefits.

However, under this proposal, Americans would likely receive slightly more. The first round of payments averaged $1,729, while the second round of stimulus payments averaged $2,170.

If you have not yet received your first stimulus check provided under the Cares Act but believe you are eligible, use the IRS Get My Payment app to search for your status or speak with a representative at the IRS stimulus check phone number.

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