House votes to increase stimulus payments to $2,000 per person

The House voted 275-134 on Monday to increase direct payments from its coronavirus relief package to $2,000 per person, up from the $600 checks that Congress had previously approved.

Why it matters: The measure is unlikely to pass the GOP-controlled Senate, but could further divide President Trump and Republicans ahead of the crucial Senate runoffs in Georgia next week.

• House Republicans last week blocked an effort by House Democrats to pass $2,000 stimulus checks via unanimous consent. Monday's measure, which forced Republicans to go on the record on whether they support Trump's demand, required a two-thirds majority to pass.
• Forty-four Republicans joined the majority of Democrats in passing the bill.

The big picture: Trump finally signed the $900 billion coronavirus relief package on Sunday night, having held off for days after demanding that Congress increase the $600 stimulus checks to $2,000.

• Senate GOP leadership has signaled opposition to increasing the size of the checks.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has said that no Democrat in his chamber will oppose the increase.

Go deeper: Inside the $900 billion stimulus compromise

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the House's approval of the measure.