The U.S. House of Representatives could approve a provision Monday night that would increase the amount of money individuals and families receive in stimulus checks.
A Republican leadership aide told CNN that while the Republican side is not getting the bill, “there are a lot of chances that it could happen.” It’s not true, but helpers warn it’s possible.
The bill, which would require a 2/3 majority to pass because it will take place under suspension, would increase the amount of stimulus controls from $ 600 to $ 2,000 per person.
Eligibility for checks is determined by a person’s most recent tax returns. Anyone earning less than $ 75,000 individually or $ 150,000 as a couple would receive the full amount. The amount individuals receive decreases by $ 5 for every $ 100 a person earns over $ 75,000. In short, this means that people earning more than $ 99,000 would not be eligible, nor would couples earning more than $ 198,000.
If the bill really passes the House with a strong Republican vote, it will put Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a difficult position of having to decide whether to bring the provision to the Senate as an independent bill.
While the president has been urging Republicans to increase payments, many Republicans in McConnell’s ranks have made it clear they don’t believe an increase can be justified, given what would increase the price of the stimulus bill.
A vote on the checks would likely split the Republican Party conference and force some members to endure President Trump’s anger in his last days in office.
Reminders: Covid-19 relief legislation was passed by Congress last Monday and sent to Mar-a-Lago on Thursday to await Trump’s signing. But after sitting on the sidelines during negotiations, Trump emerged with an eleven-hour complaint that an independent provision of the deal, which the president’s own White House helped the broker, would only provide up to $ 600 in direct payments. .
Trump wanted to send $ 2,000 checks.
Trump noted in a statement Sunday night that he only signed the coronavirus relief bill after reaching the commitment for the Senate to consider legislation to increase stimulus controls from $ 600 to $ 2,000. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not refer to that commitment in his own statement Sunday night praising the president for signing the relief bill.