On the heels of a major COVID-19 relief bill, many Americans are wondering if a fourth stimulus check is on the table.
In March, lawmakers passed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that included a third direct payment, this time up to $1,400, to Americans coping with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, the IRS said that “plus-up” payments may be going out to some taxpayers who are eligible for additional stimulus after their 2020 tax returns have been filed.
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But what are the possibilities around a new direct payment? Here’s what we know about the status of a potential fourth stimulus check.
Do lawmakers support another stimulus check?
Over 70 lawmakers support recurring stimulus checks, reports Newsweek.
In January, 53 House Democrats signed a letter endorsing recurring stimulus payments that was addressed to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
"One more check is not enough," read the letter, written before third stimulus checks were issued by the Biden administration. "Another one-time round of checks would provide a temporary timeline, but when that money runs out, families will once again struggle to pay for basic necessities."
Since then, more than 20 Senate Democrats joined the call for recurring checks in a separate letter to the executive branch.
"This crisis is far from over, and families deserve certainty that they can put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads," the March 30 letter read. "Families shouldn't have to worry about whether they'll have enough money to pay for essentials in the months ahead."
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Even with growing support in both the House and Senate, Democrats in favor still face hurdles in their push for more checks.
One reason is that reconciliation, which Dems used to push through the American Rescue Plan without Republican support, can’t be tapped again until at least October 1. Another is that Biden still has not expressed public support for more stimulus checks at the moment.
Pandemic aid priorities may be shifting
Some experts have said that priorities may be shifting for pandemic aid, and thus make the prospects of another check highly dubious.
Ed Mills, an analyst for investment banking firm Raymond James, doubts a fourth check will happen.
“I think it’s unlikely at this time,” Mills told CNBC.
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The financial expert contended that there seems to be a focus on getting Americans past the struggles of the pandemic and reopening the economy.
“D.C. has largely started to pivot towards the recovery and an infrastructure bill,” Mills said.
In addition to a major infrastructure bill, the Biden administration has leaned into plans to get as many Americans vaccinated as possible.
Last week, he promised that 90% of Americans would be eligible to receive vaccines by April 19.
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