THE US government faces a Christmas lockdown as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders threatened to keep lawmakers in Washington over the festive period to secure payments for vulnerable families.
The former Democratic presidential hopeful is demanding another round of stimulus payments to help those most in need.
“Congress cannot go home for the Christmas holidays until we pass legislation which provides a $1,200 (£882) direct payment to working-class adults, $2,400 (£1,764) for couples, and a $500 (£367) payment to their children,” he said on Monday.
Sen Sanders has forged an unusual partnership in support of the measures with Republican Josh Hawley, a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump.
GOP Sen. Josh Hawley to Call For Senate Vote on $1,200 Stimulus Checks
On 12/17/20 at 5:47 PM EST
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley said Thursday he would ask the Senate to vote on his bill that would add direct payments to the next coronavirus economic relief package.
Hawley and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders have pushed for direct assistance to be sent to eligible Americans, a topic which has become a sticking point for lawmakers working on finalizing the legislation. Congressional leaders initially indicated that the package could be finalized by Friday. While some lawmakers have indicated that relief checks in the amount of $600 could be part of the stimulus package, Hawley has contended that the amount is insufficient to meet the financial needs of Americans.
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Senator Josh Hawley on working with Bernie Sanders on COVID-19 relief Duration: 04:19 Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley is working with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to push for direct stimulus payments to Americans, potentially by holding up bipartisan relief legislation that does not include it. He joined CBS This Morning to discuss his proposal, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stating Joe Biden won the election.
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