McConnell blocks Democrats’ attempt to quickly approve $2,000 checks
The saga is likely to engulf the Senate for the rest of the week.
By Mike DeBonis and Tony RommThe Washington Post
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WASHINGTON Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Tuesday blocked consideration of a House bill that would deliver $2,000 stimulus payments to most Americans – spurning a request by President Trump even as more Senate Republicans voiced support for the dramatically larger checks.
McConnell’s move was just the beginning of a saga that is likely to engulf the Senate for the rest of the week. Democrats are pushing for an up-or-down vote on the House bill, while more Republicans acknowledge a need for larger stimulus checks.
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Growing Number of GOP Senators Back $2,000 Stimulus Checks After House Passes Bill
Three Republican senators voiced support for $2,000 stimulus payments as the House approved a bill containing the increased checks on Monday night.
The House passed a bill to include the $2,000 stimulus payments after President Donald Trump last week called for them. On Sunday night, Trump passed a stimulus bill that included $600 direct payments.
It’s not yet clear if the Senate will join the House in passing the bill.
Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said they back the measure.
“I agree with the president that millions of working-class families are in dire need of additional relief, which is why I support $2,000 in direct payments to Americans struggling due to the pandemic,” Rubio said in a Monday statement.
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The House on Monday approved an increase in stimulus checks to $2,000 for most Americans as President Trump had requested, over the objections of 130 House Republicans who voted against the president.