Does the New Relief Bill Include $1,200 Direct Stimulus Checks?

By Neil P. First Posted: Dec 08, 2020 08:40 AM EST

The House of Senate and Congress have a limited time and closed in on Sunday the $908 billion relief bill that will aid the needs of millions of Americans.

(Photo : Pexels/Alexander Mils)

Millions of Americans are still hoping that a relief bill would be passed before the House of Senate and Congress will adjourn this month. The relief bill ensures that millions of Americans across the country will receive the financial aid they need amid the pandemic.

Relief Bill Measures

The $908 billion relief bill that has strong bipartisan support will be attached to the larger year-end spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown this weekend.

Lawmakers made sure that they will deliver what millions of individuals across the country need amid the pandemic. As mentioned in a previous report, the following are the measures under the new relief bill:

$300 per week in unemployment benefits
$160 billion for state and local governments
Nearly $290 billion in aid for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program
$82 billion for schools
$45 billion for transportation agencies
$16 billion for coronavirus testing and vaccine distribution

Despite the measures under the new relief bill, many were asking why $1,200 direct stimulus checks were not included in the proposed relief measure.

According to Associated Press, the direct stimulus checks will be given once Biden's administration begins in January.

$1,200 Stimulus Checks Excluded from the Relief Bill

Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois indicated that excluding the $1,200 stimulus checks but including PPP loans for small businesses and renter's assistance was the only way to reach and seal the agreement with Republican lawmakers who are putting limits on the price tag of the relief aid.

He said, "The $1,200 check, it cost we believe nationally $300 billion to give you an idea. The Democrats have always wanted a larger number, but we were told we couldn't get anything through the Republicans, except this $900 billion level."

The $908 billion relief bill that Republican and Democratic lawmakers proposed is less than half of the offer of the White House and a little bit higher than Sen. McConnell's $500 billion skinny bill. Despite this, several lawmakers from both parties support the $908 relief bill.

Stimulus Checks Could Be Taken During Biden's Administration

While it is true that several lawmakers support the $908 billion relief bill even though it does not include $1,200 direct stimulus checks, there are other lawmakers who opposed this idea. Sen Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said last week that would not support the $908 billion relief bill.

Meanwhile, Sen. Josh Hawley ls joined them who opposed shielding businesses from lawsuits claiming negligence for COVID-19 outbreaks, a provision pushed by Republicans. However, Biden expressed his support over the relief bill and said that the additional bill could follow later.

Lawmakers involved in the negotiation confirmed also on Sunday that the direct payments would have to wait until after Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.