The House of Representatives unveiled Monday the relief measures under the $2.2 trillion stimulus package, following mounting pressure to quickly strike a coronavirus deal.

Congress
Reutersconnect

Last week, the House said they drafted a new stimulus package that Congress members can vote one week before leaving Washington to get on the campaign trail. The stimulus package is in response to the emerging tensions within the Democratic party's rank who are in a tight race with the Republican candidates.

The proposed $2.2 trillion stimulus package includes the following relief measures that will hopefully pass in Congress and Senate:

  • $600 weekly unemployment benefits
  • $1,200 direct stimulus checks
  • $436 billion aid to state and local governments
  • $225 billion funds to colleges and universities
  • Paycheck Protection Program for businesses

The proposed relief measures will help millions of Americans across the country who continue to suffer from economic fallout caused by the global pandemic. After months of stalled talks, the House of Representatives attempted to continue the negotiations with the White House and Republicans.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin aims to strike a deal with the Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over a new round of stimulus package. Mnuchin, who has been persistent in asking for the relief measures, said he called Pelosi 15 to 20 times to discuss the bill.

Even though the House of Representatives' total amount is bigger than the previous offer of the Republican lawmakers in the Senate, President Donald Trump said he would convince his party to embrace the larger amount. The President showed interest in a bigger stimulus package.

The divided members of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives are afraid that the bill will not make it through both chambers. This will have a negative impact on their campaign, especially those in a tight race with the Republican candidates.

Pelosi has already made some actions after she received pressure from her colleagues. She said she has already talked with Mnuchin about a new stimulus package. It seems that Pelosi knew that her colleagues would blame her if there will be no agreement made on the next relief package.

Pelosi has always been pushing for trillions of dollars, but on Monday, she said: "We've come down $1 trillion, and they need to come up because we have to crush this virus. It takes money to crush the virus. It takes money to make the schools safe. It takes money to put money in people's pockets."

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell raised some concerns, insisting that a liability shield against potential lawsuits brought against businesses, schools, and universities that reopen during the pandemic be part of the legislation.

However, Pelosi did not like the idea and did not include it in Monday's legislation. Both chambers are hopeful that a new coronavirus relief aid bill will be voted this week, and the stimulus money would be sent before the election.

Check these out!