Second Stimulus Check Update: 'There's Progress' As Pelosi, McConnell Meet To Discuss Relief

Top congressional leaders met on Tuesday to discuss a new coronovirus relief bill before the Friday deadline, and it appears they have made some progress.

Pelosi summoned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy to her office in the afternoon. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reportedly joined the critical meeting by phone. He and Pelosi have been engaged in negotiations on spending issues for several months.

“We're continuing to work. I think there's progress. We'll get back together,” McCarthy told reporters after the meeting.

The meeting came months after lawmakers split the $908 billion bipartisan economic bill into two — a “skinny” $748 billion package and a $160 billion legislation.

The new skinny bill would include $300 billion in federal aid for small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program, more money for coronavirus vaccine development and distribution, and a revival of the $300 weekly unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, the $160 billion bill will include two provisions, the Democrats’ state and local aid and the GOP’s liability protection for businesses.

The $748 billion skinny package and the $160 billion bill do not include provisions for another round of $1,200 stimulus checks for Americans.

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley had previously proposed legislation that would provide $1,200 stimulus checks to individuals and $2,400 to couples. They also threatened to hold up government funding until Congress included another round of personal checks.

President-elect Joe Biden’s top Democratic allies have voiced their support for the “skinny” $748 billion plan despite it exclusion of more direct payments for Americans.

“We cannot afford to wait any longer to act. This should not be Congress’ last COVID relief bill, but it is a strong compromise that deserves support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate,” Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said. “We cannot leave for the holidays without getting relief to those Americans who need it.”

“We’re not going home until this is done,” Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said. “We’ve got to get people a lifeline. It will pass — the $748 (billion).”