UPDATED: 12/24/20 8:57AM
Washington (AP) WBAP/KLIF – House Republicans block Democrats’ effort to advance $2,000 stimulus checks pushed by President Trump. Reply STOP to quit.
House Democrats also blocked a measure sought by Republicans to take anther look at U.S. spending on foreign aid, one of the sticking points for President Trump in sending the bill back to Congress.
Original post:
WASHINGTON (AP) – Before President Trump late Tuesday pushed for an increase in individual stimulus checks for individuals and families in the newest pandmic relief package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had proposed more money for Americans.
Meantime, on Tuesday after the bill was sent to President Trump’s desk, he shocked Washington in a new demand for $2,000 aid checks to Americans rather than the $600 proposed in the bill. The new proposal is threatening to tank a big year-end COVID relief package. It’s also posing an uncomfortable test of allegiance for Republicans who reject such spending.
House Democrats will all but dare Republicans today to break with Trump, calling up his proposal for a Christmas Eve vote.
GOP lawmakers are poised to object, offering their own proposal to cut foreign aid. Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion package, and suggested he may not sign it. His objection also threatens a government shutdown.
Foreign aid is not included in the COVID-19 relief package, it is included in a separate omnibus spending bill.
What’s in COVID relief package?
- One-time payments of $600 to individuals.
- Extension of up to $300 per week for 11 weeks.
- $25bn in rental aid and extends an eviction moratorium that was due to expire at the end of this month.
- Ban on surprise medical billing; exorbitant stealth fees because they were treated by a doctor who was not covered by their health insurer.
Meantime, the Washington Post reports that the package contains $110bn in tax breaks for sectors such as the liquor industry and motorsports entertainment.
(Copyright 2020 WBAP/KLIF 24/7 News. This report contains material from Politifact.)
