President Biden said during a call with House Democrats on Wednesday that he is committed to increasing stimulus checks to $ 2,000, giving most Americans another $ 1,400 in direct payments in a new round of coronavirus relief. .
However, Biden opened the door to restrict income requirements to determine which Americans are eligible to receive the checks. According to the aid package approved by Congress last year, individuals earning less than $ 75,000 and couples earning less than $ 150,000 received a full payment of $ 600.
“We cannot waive the additional $ 1,400 in direct checks that we proposed because people need them,” Biden told Democrats, according to a source in the call.
“We can aim them better,” he said, “but I’m not going to start my government by breaking a promise to the American people.”
Biden did not answer questions during the five-minute call, but asked House Democrats to “do big, don’t small” in a new COVID-19 aid package and stay together while selling their nearly US stimulus plan $ 2 trillion for the American people.
“I will take care of your back. I ask you to keep mine,” said Biden.
– Updated at 11am