As Americans Begin Receiving Checks, What’s Next for Coronavirus Stimulus

Millions of Americans woke up to cash in their bank accounts Wednesday, and millions more will receive paper checks in the mail in the coming months – and even more cash could be on its way later this year.

Though it's not clear how Congress will approach subsequent legislation when sessions resume April 20, both Democrats and some Republicans are in agreement that more stimulus is needed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has already said she hopes to “double down” on the CARES Act – the law that provided Americans with $1,200 checks – when Congress returns to session. According to Politico, Pelosi hopes to pass legislation that would extend and expand the bill – and while Pelosi has said she would push for more direct payments, it's unclear what will be in those subsequent bills.

Even if further legislation does not include more direct cash payments, USA Today reports that new bills may include required hazard pay for health care workers and infrastructure spending in the hopes of providing jobs to newly unemployed Americans.

Should more progressive Democrats get their way, Americans could expect much more cash coming their way. Rep. Tm Ryan (D-Ohio) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) say they will introduce the Emergency Money for the People Act, which would provide any Americans making less than $130,000 a year with $2,000 a month. Married couples making less than $280,000 would get $4,000 a month, and families would get an additional $500 per child, up to three children.

According to Politico, Pelosi is more interested in quickly passing legislation than playing hardball with Republicans. The news outlet reports that Pelosi is unlikely to push for mail-in protections for the 2020 election or more aggressive health measures to contain the virus.

Any bill will need to pass the Republican-controlled Senate, and according to The Hill, the GOP is taking a “wait and see” approach to further stimulus packages. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said that any new stimulus packages would “need to be tailored to the actual needs of our nation.” In addition, House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy has said he doesn't feel another stimulus package is necessary.

However, President Donald Trump has been open to another round of direct payments to Americans, leaving the door open should subsequent bills pass through Congress.

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