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The US House Democrats have planned to bring forward a bill to provide direct checks of $2,000 to individuals on Thursday. Point to be noted that President Trump called on the US Congress to amend a newly passed coronavirus relief bill to increase direct payments to $2,000, with $4,000 for a couple. The House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will try to pass the bill by unanimous consent. There is only one Republican member opposing the proposal that needs to be present in order to block the bill. On Tuesday, President Trump indicated in a video posted on Twitter that he would not sign the $900 billion relief package passed by both houses of Congress. The relief package provides $600 in direct payments for adults making up to $75,000 per year and children, with $2,400 for a family of four.

The recent demand from the President came after weeks of negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Treasury Secretary is playing an active part in determining the final numbers before the relief bill and an omnibus spending package passed with overwhelming majorities. It is noteworthy that Democrats will attempt to call Mr. Trump’s bluff by holding a voice vote on Thursday. They will force Republicans to go on the record for their opposition to increasing direct payments from $600 to $2,000. The bill renewed relief provisions set to expire at the end of the month, such as critical emergency unemployment programs and an eviction moratorium. At least 12 million Americans are set to lose unemployment benefits the day after Christmas due to the expiration of these programs.

The bill also includes an additional $300 per week in unemployment insurance and aid for small businesses. On Tuesday, Pelosi said, “Republicans repeatedly refused to say what amount the President wanted for direct checks. At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also called on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring a bill increasing the direct payments to the Senate floor. He said, “The American people deserve it”. It will likely pass in the Senate even if the House is able to pass the bill by unanimous consent in the House, with no Republicans offering opposition. The previous bipartisan relief bill passed by Congress in March, the CARES Act. It provided direct checks of $1,200 for adults and $500 for children.