Pelosi responds to Trump's request for $2,000 stimulus checks: 'Let's do it!'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) quickly let President Trump know that if he really wants a coronavirus relief bill that includes $2,000 direct payments to Americans, she's ready to help make it happen.
On Tuesday evening, Trump blasted the $900 billion economic relief package passed by Congress on Monday night, calling the measure a "disgrace." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin pushed for $600 stimulus checks, an amount Trump said was "ridiculously low." The president did not participate in the negotiations, and suggested he won't sign the bill until it is amended to include checks worth $2,000.
Pelosi tweeted in response that Republicans "repeatedly refused to say what amount the president wanted for direct checks. At last, the president has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the floor this week by unanimous consent. Let's do it!"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also chimed in, saying, "We spent months trying to secure $2,000 checks but Republicans blocked it. Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open and we're glad to pass more aid Americans need." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said she has the legislation already written and "ready to go."
The House will meet on Thursday for a pro forma session, during which Pelosi could advance the $2,000 stimulus checks. For this to work, however, all House Republicans would need to be on board and Senate Republicans would also have to unanimously pass the measure, The Washington Post reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
5 humorously unhealthy cartoons about RFK Jr.
Cartoons Artists take on medical innovation, disease spreading, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Brodet (fish stew) recipe
The Week Recommends This hearty dish is best accompanied by a bowl of polenta
By The Week UK Published
-
Phone hacking: victory for Prince Harry?
Talking Point Even those who do not share the royal's views about the press should 'commend' his dedication to pursuing wrongdoing
By The Week UK Published
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical
By The Week Staff Published
-
Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Thailand
Speed Read The law grants same-sex spouses the same rights as married heterosexual couples
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Top Israeli general to resign over Oct. 7 failures
Speed Read Herzi Halevi took responsibility for his failure to prevent the attacks that sparked Israel's war in Gaza
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
80 dead in Colombia amid uptick in guerrilla fighting
Speed Read This was the country's deadliest wave of violence since the peace accords set by President Gustavo Petro in 2016
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal on track to start by Monday
Speed Read A deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages and begin a ceasefire was officially signed by representatives in Doha
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine captures first North Korean soldiers
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted videos of the men captured in Russia's Kursk region
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Lebanon selects president after 2-year impasse
Speed Read The country's parliament elected Gen. Joseph Aoun as its next leader
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US accuses Sudan rebels of genocide, sanctions chief
Speed Read Sudan has been engaged in a bloody civil war that erupted in 2023
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published