The stimulus bill that many Americans are desperately waiting for has been stuck at an impasse in the Senate for the past weeks. President Trump announced on Friday in several Twitter posts that he is ready to direct Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to send out a new round of stimulus checks to Americans. He also blamed Democrats for delaying the stimulus package due to their inability to compromise on the bill’s funding.
I have directed @stevenmnuchin1 to get ready to send direct payments ($3,400 for family of four) to all Americans. DEMOCRATS ARE HOLDING THIS UP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 14, 2020
Democrats Delaying the Second Stimulus Bill
Daily meetings between Democrats and the Trump administration have been ongoing for about two weeks, with the biggest conflict point being the package’s price tag. The White House is aiming for a $1 trillion bill, while Democrats refuse to go lower than $2 trillion, an offer that Mnuchin dismissed as a “non-starter.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday that the White House is unwilling to adjust its position on the details of the bill, while Democrats have been “repeatedly” making compromises.
The delay will continue even if the administration reaches an agreement with Democrats, as the Senate closed Thursday for its August recess, and will be returning after Labor Day. Should a deal be reached, however, the Senate could be called in for a vote, although it seems very unlikely considering the stalled negotiations.
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