Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced the introduction of the Emergency Direct Payments for Families and Workers Act to provide a second round of stimulus checks to qualifying Americans. Senator Hawley’s bill would provide a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals, $2,400 to couples filing jointly, and $500 per child. Eligibility standards and income thresholds are exactly the same as the CARES Act passed in March.
“Americans need direct payments now. Families are struggling. Unemployment claims are rising and food lines are growing. It’s time Congress finally acts. Direct payments should be at the center of any Covid relief legislation that Congress passes. If Congress doesn’t pass relief legislation with direct payments in it by next week, I will go to the Senate floor to demand a vote on my legislation.”
Senator Josh Hawley
Senator Hawley was a leading advocate of including direct payments in Congress’s previous relief packages.