President Trump called for larger direct payments to most Americans. Author: Matt Caron Updated: 5:20 PM EST December 23, 2020 CONNECTICUT, USA — It’s the question everyone is asking - how much money will you get in your Christmas stocking from the federal government? The COVID relief bill is suddenly in jeopardy. When Congress passed the $900-billion-dollar COVID relief bill with veto-proof majorities on Monday it seemed like a done deal...until Tuesday. "It really is a disgrace," said President Trump. The President was sidelined from direct negotiations, so that comment was not only a swipe at Democrats but also the President’s Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin who brokered the deal along with congressional Republicans.