AMERICANS could receive their second stimulus checks in the mail in just a matter of days as the White House and Democratic negotiators near a deal.
The two sides are racing to pass a stimulus package before Election Day – and reports indicate Democrats and Republicans could find an agreement this week.
White House officials have an optimistic view that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin could reach an agreement with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as soon as this Wednesday.
Even President Donald Trump is on board for reaching a bipartisan stimulus bill.
He tweeted on Saturday while hospitalized with coronavirus: "Our great USA wants & needs stimulus. Work together and get it done. Thank you!"
Although Pelosi and Mnuchin continue to negotiate, the bill ultimately must be approved by the Republican-led Senate before it becomes law.
"We're making progress. It just depends on if they understand what we have to do to crush the virus," Pelosi said on Sunday.
The bill being negotiated between Democrats and the White House differs in the money allotments – but it does secure a second $1,200 stimulus check and $600 weekly payments until the end of the year.
After three senators tested positive for Covid-19, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suspended the Senate, but vowed to recall senators to vote on a stimulus package if needed.
The House Thursday passed a Heroes Act 2.0 that would allow for increased unemployment benefits and expanded stimulus checks for dependents.
The Heroes Act, which congressional Democrats proposed earlier this year as a $3.4trillion package, was cut down this week to $2.2trillion.
McConnell said he wouldn't support the Heroes Act or any bill over $2trillion.
However, it still is unknown what the impact of Trump's tweet will have on McConnell and the Senate should the White House and Democrats reach an agreement.
The United States continues to experience its worst economy since the Great Depression, with unemployment hovering around 20 percent and with an eviction crisis starting across the nation.
The Covid-19 pandemic claims close to 1,000 lives every day in the US.
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