President Donald Trump has suggested that China is to blame for millions of Americans who need the long-awaited second stimulus check in a tweet sent on Christmas Day.
Trump called for the next payment to be increased from $ 600 to $ 2,000, as both Republicans and Democrats blocked each other’s attempts to change the $ 900 billion package.
Trump has so far refused to pass the stimulus bill, leaving millions of Americans in limbo while two expanded CARES law unemployment programs expired on Saturday, December 26.
On Christmas Eve, House Republicans rejected proposals to increase the next round of payments, with Democrats blocking Republican attempts to cut foreign aid from the $ 1.4 trillion federal spending bill, both defended by Trump.
Lawmakers will meet on December 28, where an interim bill could be passed to avoid a partial government shutdown if an agreement on the government spending bill is not reached.
However, the account will not include the coronavirus aid, which means that millions may still be waiting for it to be vetoed by the president. After COVIDAfter months of stalled negotiations, Trump shocked both parties after declaring “a disgrace” earlier this week.
In a December 25 tweet, Trump once again blamed China for the pandemic that has caused millions of people to lose their jobs and face financial difficulties in recent months.
Trump also said he has been working to increase the next stimulus payments, despite the GOP blocking such attempts.
“I made a lot of calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach, Florida,” wrote Trump. “Why don’t politicians want to give people $ 2,000 instead of just $ 600? It wasn’t their fault, it was China. Give the money to our people!”
Trump has continually suggested that China is to blame and should be held responsible for the pandemic that killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide, including 330,000 in the United States
Trump also attacked the media before posting a video praising military men and women in another Christmas day post.
“I am now going to give a brief speech to service members from around the world. It is a Christmas celebration. Video conference – False news is not invited,” Trump tweeted.
In the message, Trump and the First Lady “may look different from previous years” without mentioning the pandemic directly.
“We are forever grateful to those who courageously serve our country in uniform – and to those who walk alongside them. We also thank the first respondents, police and frontline medical professionals who work tirelessly to serve and protect our communities, “added Trump.
Elsewhere, Mayor, Nancy Pelosi condemned the Republicans who voted against increasing the stimulus package while confirming that a new vote will take place next week.
“If the president takes direct payments of $ 2,000 seriously, he must ask House Republicans to end their obstruction.” Pelosi said.
“On Monday, I will take the House back to the session where we will take a registered vote on our autonomous bill to increase economic impact payments to $ 2,000. Voting against this bill is to deny the financial difficulties that families face and deny them the relief they need.
“I hope that by then, the President has already signed bipartisan and bicameral legislation to keep the government open and comply coronavirus relief.”
SAMUEL CORUM / AFP / Getty