Second stimulus check: second round plan could be presented next week
The Senate returns to work on Monday following the Fourth of July break. Under discussion will be the fourth and final stimulus relief package.
Members of the Senate have been taking a break since the Fourth of July weekend but are due to resume activities on Monday ahead of the potential approval of a fourth and final stimulus relief package amid the coronavirus pandemic. Congress is expected to have a busy week ahead because the issue needs to be resolved before the August recess.
It is well known that the Republican-controlled Senate will not pass the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion bill that was passed by the House of Representatives, but they will announce the proposal of their own bill designed to help millions of unemployed Americans who are struggling to make ends meet while the coronavirus crisis continues to get worse.
Next stimulus bill needs to be worked out by 31 July
The Senate has budgeted $1 trillion for the next stimulus package and they have to work with the House on a bill by 31 July - the lower chamber is due to go on recess on 3 August, a week earlier than senators - in order for President Donald Trump to sign it before September. In addition to stimulus checks, lawmakers are expected to discuss measures such as expanded unemployment benefits, a back-to-work bonus and payroll tax cuts.
Stimulus check may well be smaller if included in bill
The next stimulus relief package will most likely include a direct payment. It is not known how much money this would entail but it could be less than the first stimulus check if the budget is $1 trillion. The CARES Act provided a payment of up to $1,200 per person and the income eligibility was set at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples.