Biden only commits to $1.4K stimulus checks in private call with Democrats

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 10:49 AM PT – Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Joe Biden recently backtracked on his pledge to send another $2,000 in coronavirus stimulus payments during a private call with House Democrats. He reportedly only committed to offering $1,400 in direct payments in a call Wednesday.

The checks were one of the main sticking points for Biden’s 2020 campaign, but he’s backed off on his commitment since Inauguration Day. However, the administration has argued Biden has kept his promise by suggesting the $1,400 checks would be supplemental to the last round of $600 direct payments.

Following a meeting at the White House Wednesday, Democrat senators suggested Biden is also receptive to limiting who qualifies for the next round of checks.

“We did have a conversation about the direct payments and how those might be modified in a way to ensure they are targeted, but President Biden was clear with us and with our caucus yesterday,” stated Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.)”He’s not going to forget the middle class, he’s not going to walk back from a real commitment he made not just in Georgia, but nationally to deliver target relief to those Americans most in need.”

WH Press Secretary Psaki confirms the White House isn’t budging from its $1.9 trillion COVID-relief proposal, following yesterday’s meeting with GOP senators.

— Jennifer Franco (@jennfranconews) February 2, 2021

The Delaware lawmaker also said cutting state and local aid in the upcoming COVID-19 relief package would be a “non-starter” for Democrats.

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