Will a Fourth Stimulus Package Reach Congress Two months after the third stimulus package was implemented, many are wondering if more economic relief is on the way.

Thanks to the support of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the $1,400 payment (which should probably be in your bank account or mailbox by now) has passed, but the White House said it would not propose another stimulus check.

Earlier this week, the IRS processed additional payments from stimulus check 3. These checks will be sent to approximately 1 million Americans this week. This brings the total number of Stimulus Check 3 payments to approximately 2.7 million, totaling over $3.8 billion.

On May 4, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, when asked at a press conference about the possibility of more stimulus checks, said, "We will see what members of Congress propose, but they are not free."

This means that the White House, or President Biden's administration, will not introduce a bill containing a fourth stimulus package, as they did with the third stimulus package. Instead, support for another or repeated direct payment would need to come from Congress.

In order to pass an additional stimulus package, members of Congress would need to produce an economic bill that includes enough money for a fourth stimulus package. Of course, the amount of the fourth stimulus package and eligibility guidelines could be adjusted to ensure that this type of legislation has the support of both the House and Senate.

A Change.org petition calling for $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children has gathered nearly 2.2 million signatures out of a goal of 3 million. However, it remains to be seen what impact the petition will have on Congress.

Even if Congress does not act, Californians could see a fourth stimulus package. As part of Governor Gavin Newsom's $100 billion "California Comeback Plan," the governor has proposed sending $600 checks to those earning less than $75,000 and an additional $500 per child. According to Newsom, this represents nearly 11 million Californians, or about 78% of the state's population. Such a payment, however, would require congressional approval.

Congress has not taken meaningful steps to increase funding for the stimulus package. However, we know that at least two groups of lawmakers have previously asked the White House to consider providing monthly stimulus payments until the pandemic is over.

First, in January, more than 50 House Democrats sent a letter to the White House asking that President Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan include regular direct payments.

Then, in late March, after the third stimulus package was passed, 21 Senate Democrats, including several party leaders, submitted a similar letter urging President Biden to consider a monthly stimulus package in his subsequent Build Back Better plan.

However, when Biden discussed the details of his Build Back Better plan in his first public address to Congress, he did not mention the periodic stimulus checks. The president did not mention a fourth stimulus package at all.

If you have not received your third stimulus check, be sure to check your stimulus check status or call the IRS stimulus check phone number if you have questions about your payment.