House approves $2,000 coronavirus stimulus checks

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted 275-134 to meet President Donald Trump's demand for $2,000 covid-19 relief checks on Monday, sending the measure on to an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Trump last week threatened to block massive pandemic aid and spending package if Congress did not boost stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000 and cut other spending. He backed down from his demands on Sunday as a possible government shutdown brought on by the fight with lawmakers loomed.

But Democratic lawmakers have long wanted $2,000 relief checks and used the rare point of agreement with Trump to advance the proposal - or at least put Republicans on record against it - in the vote on Monday.

The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday after the Christmas break.