Washington – Dozens of House Democrats sent a letter to President Biden asking the White House to press for recurring cash payments to Americans in future proposals to help the coronavirus, pressing the government to go further in its plans to mitigate the economic consequences of the pandemic.
“We kindly request that your new government consider including support for recurring cash payments in its future economic relief plans. Recurring payments would provide long-term salvation for Americans in distress during this deadly pandemic,” 56 Democratic deputies, led by Congressman Ilhan Omar, wrote in the letter.
Mr. Biden’s current relief proposal includes a single direct payment of $ 1,400 for Americans who earn below a certain threshold. The Democrats’ letter did not specify a monetary value for any potential recurring payments, but noted that the United States is currently in the midst of “the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression”.
“The worsening of systemic inequalities, such as food insecurity and housing instability, is more serious for black, brown and indigenous communities, which suffer higher rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality and higher levels of unemployment, compared to Americans. whites, “says the letter said. “Recurring direct payments until the economy recovers will help ensure that people can meet their basic needs, provide racially just solutions and shorten the duration of the recession.”
Members insist that recurring payments should continue until the economy recovers, and should be prioritized “for those who need it most and will spend it fastest”. They also request that payments be made to immigrants and refugees, as well as older dependents, such as the elderly and disabled, and dependents over 16 years old.
“As the country starts looking to build a better future, we need to provide those who are struggling and left behind consistent and reliable cash payments during this COVID-19 crisis. We hope you will consider cash assistance. recurring when drawing up its economic policy priorities moving forward, “said the letter. Politico first reported the pressure of progressives for recurring payments.
Even if Biden expressed support for the inclusion of recurring payments in future relief proposals, it is unclear whether Republicans in Congress or even the Democratic leadership would be willing to agree. Biden’s current proposal is $ 1.9 trillion and faces opposition from many Republicans in the Senate who refused the price. Democrats are considering approving the proposal through budgetary reconciliation, a procedure that would allow legislation to pass Congress by simple majority vote, without any Republican support.
Spokeswoman Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday that the House would bring a budget resolution to the floor next week, the first step in a budgetary reconciliation process.
“I hope it is not necessary, but if it is necessary, we will have it,” she said.