Second Stimulus Check Update: Post-Election Chaos Further Delays Coronavirus Relief

The chaos surrounding the outcome of the election and the lawsuits filed by the Trump administration is further delaying negotiations for a coronavirus relief package that could include a new round of stimulus checks for millions of Americans.

Congressional Democrats on Thursday accused Republicans of refusing to acknowledge the elections' outcome and instead supporting Trump's unsubstantiated claims that he won the presidential race, The Washington Post reported.

"It's most unfortunate that the Republicans have decided that they will not respect the will of the people," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters. "It's like the house is burning down, and they just refuse to throw water on it."

The California Democrat and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the Republicans to return to negotiations and use the Democrat's $2.4 trillion Heroes Act proposal as the starting point.

While Republican Sen. Susan Collins implored both parties to begin negotiating on the next stimulus package, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell flatly rejected the proposal, reiterating that Senate GOP members would not accept a bill of that size, 10 WBNS reported.

"That's not a place I think we're willing to go. But I do think there needs to be another package. Hopefully, we can get past the impasse we've had now for four or five months and get serious about doing something that's appropriate," McConnell said.

Democrats have repeatedly pushed for a stimulus package that would exceed $2 trillion. Before the election, the White House counter-offered a $1.9 trillion bill. Senate Republicans also offered a skinny $500 billion bill that did not include provisions for a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus checks. House Democrats blocked both bills.

Pelosi and Schumer said they would not change their stance on a large coronavirus relief package, despite a stall in negotiations, according to CNN.

If negotiations begin and both parties can strike a deal, the next bill could include provisions for another round of $1,200 direct payments for individuals, $2,400 for married couples, and $500 for each dependent.

Noncitizens with an ITIN and people who are incarcerated may be eligible to receive the stimulus payments. Undocumented immigrants also may be able to receive $1,200 direct payments, CNET reported.