Democrats are currently looking into the possibility of having another stimulus package, this time, to include assistance for the unemployed U.S. citizens.
Near the end of March, the U.S. Congress was able to approve a stimulus package worth over US$2 trillion [AUS$3.07 trillion] and citizens are now starting to feel the effects.
Last week, millions of Americans received their one-time stimulus checks worth US$1,200. However, the Democrats are expecting the government to give more if they are to withstand the current U.S. economic conditions.
The majority of the Democrats in Congress are backing up the idea of pushing more stimulus checks on their next negotiations for the coronavirus relief bill.
Pelosi looks at ‘guaranteed income’ for the unemployed
In an MSNBC interview, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is currently looking at a way for unemployed Americans to receive income in this coronavirus pandemic as she adds:
“We may have to think in terms of some different ways to put money in people’s pockets.”
WATCH: Speaker Pelosi: A minimum guaranteed income may now be "worthy of attention." pic.twitter.com/19W3gwKGm4
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 27, 2020
Although she didn’t offer immediate specifics in the interview, sources say that she may be referring to plans that would also guarantee more paychecks to its workers.
Currently, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act implemented temporary payroll tax cuts for employers. Congress will also tackle this in the next round of legislation this week.
The US$2,000 club: Pay more Americans in need
In a report from Business Insider, other members of the U.S. Congress are suggesting three plans that could be part of the next stimulus bill.
The following suggestions from the representatives share a US$2,000 commonality, but with various provisions, as follows:
- Tim Ryan and Ro Khanna plan to roll out cash assistance to Americans over the age of 16 making less than US$130,000 a year, for at least six months. However, this ambitious plan might make Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell oppose the idea.
- Pramila Jayapal and Rashida Tlaib want to use cashless payments through debit cards to pay people directly through a bill called the Automatic Boost to Communities Act. The bill aims to pay the Americans US$2,000 each month during the pandemic, then scale the monthly amount to US$1,000 for up to a year, once the crisis is over.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders proposes to send cash assistance to every American household until the end of the coronavirus pandemic along with urging the federal government to shoulder Americans’ healthcare costs.
Americans may witness another debate between Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress as they try to gauge what additional measures need to be taken in order to weather the economy.
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