Getty
According to President Donald Trump, a “large” and “dramatic” second round of COVID-19 stimulus payments is planned and will be a part of a stimulus package proposed by the Trump administration at some point in July. Trump has also promised that the payments will come “very soon,” but he hasn’t given specifics.
In addition to the president’s many comments indicating his support for a second round of stimulus payments, other senior White House advisors have also indicated support for another round. Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has changed his mind about a second round, saying that it “very well could be” included in the next stimulus package.
However, McConnell has also indicated that a much smaller percentage of the American people could be eligible to receive a second round.
Here’s what you need to know :
What Trump Has Most Recently Said About a Second Round of Stimulus Payments
In a one-on-one interview, President Trump tells me Americans can expect another round of stimulus checks soon, but his administration and Congress are still negotiating the exact amount included in the next and likely final round of coronavirus relief. #NexstarDC
On July 6, Trump told Jessi Turnure, a reporter for Nextar Washington, “We are working on another stimulus package, and that will take place … very soon,” he said.
Congress is currently in summer recess until mid-July. It’s possible that the Trump administration will announce a proposed stimulus package when Congress returns or in the days leading up to Congress’ return.
As for how much Americans can expect from the next and potentially last round of payments, Trump said his administration was still working out the details. But in the last month he’s offered numerous interviews in which he indicates the size of these payments.
In an interview with Fox Business‘ Blake Burman earlier in the month, Trump said, “I support actually larger numbers than the Democrats, but it’s got to be done properly. I want the money getting to people to be larger so they can spend it. I want the money to get there quickly and in a non-complicated fashion.”
Early in June, Trump spoke with Scripps National Political Editor Joe St. George about whether the American people could expect another round of stimulus payments.
St. George said to Trump, “I have a lot of viewers in Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan who are still struggling economically, sir. They spent all of that first stimulus check. Are you going to get them a second stimulus check?”
“Yeah, we are, we are,” Trump replied. When St. George pushed on a timeline, Trump said, “We had this going better than anyone’s ever seen before. We had the best job numbers, the best economics, the best economy we’ve ever had. And then we had the virus come in from China, and we’re rebuilding it again.”
Congress Will Be in Session From July 20 to August 8; After That, it Takes a Month-Long Recess
GettySenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Any hopes of the passage of another stimulus package this summer will rest on the three-week period from mid-July to early August, during which the House and Senate will be in session and will be able to debate and vote on any given stimulus package that reaches the floor.
The Democrat-controlled House passed the HEROES Act and has reflected a majority interest in another round of stimulus checks. On the other hand, the GOP members of the Republican-controlled Senate have largely rejected the idea of another round of payments — until recently, when McConnell indicated his potential support for a second round.
On July 6, McConnell spoke to reporters at a press conference about what he’s “looking for” in a stimulus package. He said, “So if you’re looking for what I think is a theme of a next package that I’m likely to roll out here in a few weeks, it would focus on liability reform, kids in school, jobs and health care.” As for whether he approved of a second round of checks, he said there “could well be” another round in the next stimulus package and added, “I think the people who have been hit the hardest are people who make about $40,000 a year or less.”
READ NEXT: COVID-19 Stimulus Check: Second Round Payment Amounts [UPDATED]