Stimulus Check 2 may be approved by the U.S. Senate as early as this evening, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has indicated that the Senate will consider the bill as early as next week.

"Newsweek" reported that McConnell said Monday (July 13) that the Senate would soon begin debating its own version of the next stimulus package. He also suggested that senators could prepare something before the Senate's next recess after August 10. [McConnell said, "When my senators come back next week, we will begin exchanging ideas with them, begin discussions with the Democrats, and begin the legislative process. I think we'll have a decision within the next week or three."

McConnell has previously indicated that the next stimulus package would include direct benefits for Americans, but the benefits could be limited to those earning less than $40,000 a year. Some Senate Republicans have opposed the idea of sending additional stimulus checks to individuals and families.

The Senate faces a time crunch to pass the bill before the August recess. If the bill is not approved by both houses, the second round of stimulus could be delayed until lawmakers return after September 8.

The Senate will craft its own stimulus bill, but there are already many options. The Heroes Act, approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in May, would actually expand relief payments to individuals and families beyond what was provided for in the Cares Act earlier this spring. [Meanwhile, President Trump has said on other occasions that "very generous" benefits may be forthcoming "very soon," Vice President Pence has suggested a payroll tax cut, and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow has said that "direct checks will probably be part of the second stimulus package."

Finally, a group of economists is pushing for ongoing check payments to individuals and families until the economy recovers.

Much of the Cares Act stimulus package is likely in your mailbox or bank account at this time, but if you have not yet received your benefits, use the IRS Get My Payment app to check your status. If you need further assistance, call the IRS stimulus check phone number to speak with a representative.

You can also use the USPS's Informed Delivery tool to register your stimulus check notification so you will know when your check or stimulus check debit card is expected to arrive.