Second Stimulus Check Update: Trump Can Still Approve COVID-19 Relief Bill Before 2021

President Donald Trump can still approve and sign legislation for another round of coronavirus relief before he exits the White House on January 20, 2021.

On Saturday, Trump took to Twitter to call for Congress to pass a COVID relief bill after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin failed to strike a deal during months of negotiations.

“Congress must now do a Covid Relief Bill. Needs Democrats support. Make it big and focused. Get it done!” Trump tweeted.

Coronavirus relief talks have been stalled since the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Democrats are still pushing for a comprehensive package. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell believes a smaller legislation without provisions for another round of $1,200 stimulus checks is more suitable, Diario AS reported.

The Trump administration has also stepped back from the negotiations. While talks with Mnuchin have yet to continue, Sen. Susan Collins said the Republican official is working on reviving negotiations with Pelosi. Collins also said she hopes to see a compromise bill that could give millions of Americans the financial support they need.

A new economic relief bill could include provisions for a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks to millions of Americans. The direct payments could follow the guidelines used in the CARES Act.

Another round of coronavirus relief packages may also include significant changes that could expand the definition of “dependent” and include more people claimed on tax returns. Child dependents could also receive double the payout of up to $1,000, CNET reported.

Married couples could receive a larger check, depending on factors such as your spouse’s filing status or new dependents. Parents who share custody of a child may also be eligible to receive extra stimulus money if they meet specific qualifications.

People who are incarcerated or their families may receive $1,200 direct payments, as a federal judge ruled that the IRS owed qualified inmates stimulus checks.

Democrats also have proposed that undocumented immigrants be eligible to receive stimulus checks if they pay their taxes. The proposal, which was part of the Heroes Act, could make individuals eligible to receive both the first and second stimulus checks if the qualifications go through.