President Biden promised many things on the campaign trail. But of course, one of his most urgent priorities is getting a new stimulus package approved by Congress so that financial relief can reach struggling families as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, there are a number of roadblocks impeding progress.
Roadblock #1: Congressional Priorities
According to Bloomberg.com, Biden’s struggling to get the next stimulus package through a distracted Congress. The Senate is preparing for Trump’s forthcoming impeachment trial while in the House, Democrats are still traumatized by the deadly Jan 6th Capitol insurrection attempt.
Roadblock #2: Counter Offers
Republicans are attempting to slim down the $1.9 trillion package by offering a $618 billion alternative package instead. Although the White House opted to cordially entertain negotiation meetings across party lines, Biden isn’t willing to decrease the cost of sorely needed economic relief. Doing so would require changes to check eligibility and budget cuts for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and more.
Roadblock #3: Check Eligibility
The most persistent sticking point is the amount of direct payments. Biden wants to send $1,400 payments, while the package proposed by Republicans pushes for a $1,000 payment with aid targeted at lower-income individuals and families – who are more likely to actually need the money.
Whether these issues can be resolved will determine when the next stimulus payments go out!