Why the next coronavirus relief package needs more stimulus checks

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A poll reveals widespread support among the American general public for a second round of coronavirus stimulus checks in the next relief package, but a deal remains elusive. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell now says he has no idea if Congress will ever reach a deal on another coronavirus relief package and a second round of stimulus checks.

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Complaints about coronavirus relief package without stimulus checks

Republicans have been planning to reveal a "skinny" coronavirus relief package that doesn't include stimulus checks, but the bill has virtually no chance of passing the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. It seems Democrats would rather offer no relief to the American people than pass a bill that doesn't include their pet projects which have nothing to do with COVID-19.

The GOP-led Senate is planning on voting on the skinny package next week when senators return from their August recess, to much criticism from Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter to his Democratic colleagues describing the GOP's bill as "emaciated" rather than "skinny."

He also described it as "completely inadequate," adding that it "fails to meet the needs of the American people."

McConnell unsure of a deal

Since the GOP's skinny bill has little chance of passing the House, it seems like a waste of time to even do it. However, citing unnamed sources familiar with the plans, The Hill reports that McConnell is trying to provide some cover for Republicans who are up for reelection.

Although the bill would need 60 votes to move on to the House, getting 51 votes would be seen as a victory for Republicans. It's unclear what is included in the skinny bill, which reportedly comes with a price tag in the range of $500 billion to $700 bill.

Sources did tell The Hill that the coronavirus relief package does not include a second round of stimulus checks. Democrats oppose the bill because of its low price tag and the lack of certain provisions like financial assistance for state and local governments.

The bill does reportedly include $105 billion to help schools and colleges resume classes. If Senate Democrats block the bill, Republicans may use that as ammunition in their reelection bids as they try to retain their majority in the Senate

Americans support coronavirus stimulus checks as part of relief package

As the GOP prepares to vote on a coronavirus relief package that doesn't include stimulus checks, a new poll indicates that Americans who vote for both parties widely support a second round of checks. The Gallup poll was conducted with Franklin Templeton.

The poll found that 70% of Americans would support a second round of stimulus checks as part of the next relief package. It also found that 82% of Democrats would support more checks, while 64% of Republicans and 66% of independents also support more stimulus checks.

Much is on the line with the election coming up in November, and lawmakers would do well to get their act together before then.

Republicans willing to negotiate next Coronavirus stimulus relief package

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The Democrats have been unwilling to strike a deal with Republicans on the next coronavirus stimulus relief package. However, Republicans seem to be more focused on getting something done for the American people because they’re willing to work with Democrats despite their misgivings on what Democrats want to see in the next bill. That’s good news for those holding out hope for a second round of coronavirus stimulus checks.

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White House, Dems working on the next stimulus relief package

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has previously said that he believed if he wrote the next stimulus relief package, most Republicans would support it. He also said the next bill would be written in the Senate rather than the House of Representatives.

However, the next coronavirus stimulus relief package is actually being written by the White House and leading Democrats. White House officials have said they expect a deal by Friday. In fact, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Republicans at a lunch on Wednesday that if there is no deal by Friday, they could stop the negotiations.

Despite that statement made during a close-door meeting, Meadows told USA Today that Friday is not a "drop dead date" for an agreement. He said he had "become extremely doubtful" that they would be able to reach an agreement if the talks go "well beyond Friday."

McConnell steers clear of the talks

The Hill reports that McConnell has avoided the negotiations over the next stimulus relief package because they have been so divisive for Republicans. Despite the fact that he has stayed away from the talks, McConnell told CNBC that is prepared to vote in agreement with the package that's being put together by the White House and Democrats — even if he doesn't agree with all of it.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have both said repeatedly that they've been making progress on the next stimulus package. However, Meadows told reporters on Wednesday that the White House and Democrats "continue to be trillions of dollars apart."

While on the Senate floor, McConnell accused Democrats of not being willing to negotiate. He said that while the American people struggle, "Democratic leaders have moved about one inch in eight days."

The only place Republicans and Democrats seem to agree is on the issue of coronavirus stimulus checks. Both sides have agreed to send a second round of $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks to Americans earning up to $75,000 a year, with the amount phasing out after that and ending at $99,000.

Unemployment remains a sticking point, although Republicans appear ready to agree to extend the extra $600 in weekly benefits despite the soaring federal debt and the fact that it causes most people to be paid more on unemployment than they received on the job.

Trump mulls executive order for next stimulus relief package

While talks about the next stimulus relief package drag on, President Donald Trump has been considering making an executive order if there is no deal with Democrats. Sources told Fox Business that Trump is thinking about an executive order that would send more coronavirus stimulus checks, extend the federal unemployment benefits and eviction moratorium, and suspend the payroll tax.

It's unclear whether the president has the constitutional right to make such an order. However, sources told Fox Business that he may be using the executive order as a bargaining chip to force Democrats to the negotiating table and bring about an agreement.

Republicans are increasingly worried about the federal debt, which will weigh on the next two generations of Americans at least. However, they have been left out of the negotiations as the White House deals with Democrats.

The proposal will require some GOP support, and McConnell's willingness to accept whatever deal the White House and Democrats hammer out could mean that other Republicans will do the same.