Updated Feb 08, 2021 Backlash Grows Against Centrist Move To Restrict COVID-19 Relief Checks "Today’s weak jobs report highlights how American families are struggling and need immediate relief," a Republican congressman said. By Daniel Marans and Igor Bobic A growing bipartisan backlash is emerging against the possibility that Congress would lower the income eligibility for proposed $1,400 relief checks, reducing or eliminating benefits for many middle-class households. Like previous relief payments, President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan would begin phasing out cash payments for individuals earning more than $75,000 a year and married couples earning $150,000 a year. But the White House and several Democratic lawmakers have expressed openness to lowering the income threshold for the drawdown of benefits to $50,000 a year for individuals and $100,000 a year for a married couple.