Updated Dec 28, 2020 - Politics & Policy

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

Fadel Allassan

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

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.

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

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