House Blocks Democrats' Attempt to Increase Stimulus Check to $2,000

House Democrats tried and failed on Thursday (December 24) to increase the stimulus relief checks for Americans from $600 to $2,000. This comes as some are worried President Trump will veto the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill if the payments to Americans aren't increased. 

On Tuesday, Trump stated, "I'm asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2000 or $4000 per couple. I'm also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items in this legislation or to send me a suitable bill. A few months ago, Congress started negotiations on a new package to get urgently needed help to the American people. It's taken forever. However, the bill they are now planning to send back to my desk is much different than anticipated. It really is a disgrace."

Democrats have vowed a full up-or-down vote on the House floor December 28 for the bill, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi commenting on the situation. Pelosi stated, "On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need. Hopefully by then the President will have already signed the bipartisan and bicameral legislation to keep government open and to deliver coronavirus relief." 

Source: CNN