DEMOCRATS are pushing Joe Biden to release monthly $2,000 stimulus checks during the pandemic – as one more payment "just isn't enough".
Congress is currently debating the president's $1.9trillion Covid relief package, which includes a proposed third stimulus payment of $1,400.
It has come under scrutiny from Republican lawmakers asking to tighten eligibilty criteria for receiving the payments – leading to Biden being open to negotiations to secure cross-party support for his bill.
But according to CBS News, Democrat lawmakers argue the relief does not go far enough, with some members calling for monthly recurring financial support for those most in need of help.
A group of more than 50 House Dems – led by Ilhan Omar – sent a letter to Biden's administration on Thursday urging for recurring checks.
“One more check is not enough," the letter reportedly reads.
"Many families cannot afford to wait for eight months between payments.
"To truly build back better, families need stability and certainty through ongoing relief — they cannot be at the mercy of congressional gridlock."
It added: "Recurring direct payments until the economy recovers will help ensure that people can meet their basic needs, provide racially equitable solutions, and shorten the length of the recession."
The letter was also signed by prominent Dem Representatives including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Cori Bush of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
Although the letter did not give an exact figure, Rep. Ilhan wrote on Twitter that she wants monthly payments to hit $2,000 – payable until the global health pandemic comes to an end.
She said recurring payments should be directed to "those who need it most and will spend it the quickest," as well as include "all immigrant workers, refugees, and their families."
The upcoming $1,400 stimulus check will be added to the $600 checks previously approved by Congress.
Once the bill is passed by Congress, it must be signed by Biden before the IRS distributes the checks.
This is done within days of approval by prepaid debit cards, direct deposit or mailed checks.
Some 16 million Americans are now receiving some type of unemployment benefit, and an estimated 29 million don't have enough to eat.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer had previously said he hoped to approve the next round of stimulus check by mid-March, reports Bloomberg News, which is when the current extended unemployment benefits expire.
Both the $300 per week federal jobless benefit supplement and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program formally expire on March 14.
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