Stimulus Checks: Trump Urges Democrats to Release $300 Billion Unspent COVID-19 Relief Money to Americans

By Madelaine D. First Posted: Sep 05, 2020 11:18 AM EDT

President Donald Trump revealed on Friday the "$300 billion" unused funds from the coronavirus pandemic relief aid.

In a press briefing at the White House, Trump urged Congress to authorize the sending of stimulus checks to Americans and use the leftover money in COVID-19 relief funds.

The President has accused the Democrats of blocking the cash to be sent to the Americans. He noted that the money is available and "ready to go."

"All Congress has to do is say, 'Use it.' I'd like to use it without their permission, but I guess I'm not allowed," the President said. "We're willing to spend it, I'd like to get approval from Congress," he added.

Stimulus Checks: Trump Urges Democrats to Release $300 Billion Unspent Money to Americans

(Photo : Drew Angerer)
President Trump Holds Briefing At White House WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 04: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference the White House on September 4, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Trump took questions on a variety of topics, including a recent magazine article in The Atlantic accusing him of making disparaging remarks about American soldiers.

Trump said he would rather be upfront and obtain permission from Congress even if there's a theory that he doesn't have to do it.

The Republican President did not identify the exact funding source but seemed to be referring to unused business loan money approved in March in the $2 trillion CARES Act.

Trump insisted that he wanted to give the untouched cash to the American people as a "potent stimulus." He then called on the Democrats in Congress to issue a "one sentence approval" for him to redirect the funds.

The long-awaited second stimulus checks might come if both parties finally strike a deal at any point from September 8, when Congress and Senate return from summer recess.

Congressional lawmakers were criticized by those who said that the break was inappropriate and untimely knowing that many Americans are continuing their fight against the coronavirus pandemic without paychecks.

Congress adjourned early last month without reaching an agreement on the next coronavirus stimulus package.

According to The Sun, if the Senate passes a new COVID-19 relief bill on September 11, the House will pass it on September 16, and then Trump could sign it on September 17. On the week of September 28, the first checks could be distributed.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said that Trump is the "only one" moving to get financial relief to the American people amid the ongoing pandemic.

In an interview with CBS This Morning on August 24, Meadows lambasted the Democrats in Congress, saying they "failed to come together on anything that would address... enhanced unemployment [and] eviction protections."

In May, the House Democrats passed the $3 trillion HEROES Act, but Senate Republicans proposed a much smaller $1 trillion package in August. Both proposals include another round of $1,200 stimulus checks for eligible Americans.

However, the two parties disagree strongly on several aspects of the next COVID-19 relief package, with both sides blaming the other for stalling the bill.

According to the Washington Times, Trump seemed to suggest that the leftover COVID-19 relief aid from legislation approved in March would be enough, saying the $300 billion is "sitting in an account that we didn't need because things are going so well with the economy."

The President's comment indicated that the money could be used for direct payments similar to the $1,200 checks that were delivered to most taxpayers in the spring.

On Friday, the government reported that the unemployment rate plummeted to 8.4 percent in August from 10.2 percent in July - a positive indicator that the economy continues to slowly recover.