Second Stimulus Check Update: GOP Senator Unveils Plan For $1,200 Direct Payments

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley on Thursday unveiled a plan for another round of stimulus checks for millions of Americans amid stalled talks.

The Missouri senator modeled the new legislation after March’s CARES Act. His plan would provide $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples and $500 for children, CNBC reported.

“Americans need direct payments now. Families are struggling. Unemployment claims are rising and food lines are growing. It's time Congress finally acts. Direct payments should be at the center of any Covid relief legislation that Congress passes,” Hawley said in a press release.

Hawley has been a vocal advocate for stimulus checks among GOP lawmakers. On Dec. 7, he urged President Donald Trump to veto the $908 billion bipartisan relief bill after it excluded provisions for more $1,200 personal checks, Politico reported.

“I said, ‘I think it’s vital that any relief include direct payments, and I’m not gonna vote for it if it doesn’t.’ And I also urged him to veto any bill that did not have direct payments in it,” he said during an interview.

The Missouri senator’s economic relief bill also included $300 billion federal aid for small businesses, COVID-19 testing, vaccine distribution, and relief for schools and the transportation sector.

However, the plan does not include economic aid to the restaurant industry. It also excludes an extension of paid family and medical leave.

Hawley’s stimulus check proposal came after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday night said Senate Republicans would not support a bipartisan bill that includes $160 billion federal aid for state and local governments.

McConnell’s staff conveyed the message to three congressional leaders, saying the GOP leader sees no path to an agreement on state and local aid and liability protections for companies facing potential coronavirus lawsuits, a senior Democrat familiar with the discussions told NBC News.

The senate leader suggested dropping state aid and liability protections, but Democrats pushed back, saying state and local funding is necessary for coronavirus vaccine distribution. They also claim states or cities would likely lay off health care workers, including first responders, if federal help isn't provided.