Democrats push higher stimulus payments, citing Trump; G.O.P. blocks bill

As the nation looks forward to Christmas Day, many lawmakers in Washington agree the second stimulus checks are necessary and past due.

But, President Trump now has these lawmakers in limbo as he suggests that Congress should pay $2000 instead, and he could possibly veto the $600 payments. He has not signed the current bill as yet.

So, there is a battle over how much to send — $600 per person, or $2000? The debates are taking place between Capitol Hill and the White House.

A Census Bureau report shows that there is “a stark difference in how far each check would go toward covering one month’s rent.”

However, Thursday House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to pass the $2000 direct payments to Americans.

Therefore, the fate of the massive $900 billion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress earlier this week hangs in uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci is inching up percentages for community immunity as millions of Americans are traveling for the holidays.

— NYT: Top Stories