NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Senate will approve $2,000 stimulus checks if Democrats regain control following two runoff races in Georgia, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Wednesday.
While the race between Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican David Perdue had yet to be called as of midday Wednesday, Schumer declared victory for Senate Democrats at a press conference. Perdue has not yet conceded, although Ossoff is leading in the race and President-Elect Joe Biden said he's "hopeful that when the count is complete, Jon Ossoff will also be victorious."
"For the first time in six years, Democrats will operate a majority in the United States Senate, and that will be very good for the American people," Schumer said. "America is experiencing one of the greatest crises we have ever had in our history, and the Senate Democratic majority is committed to delivering the bold change and help that Americans need and demand."
"Senate Democrats know America is hurting. Help is on the way. And we have two new senators coming to help," he added. "One of the first things that I want to do when our new senators are seated is deliver the $2,000 checks to the American families."
Democrats are set to control at least 49 seats in the Senate following Democrat Raphael Warnock's defeat of Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler in Tuesday's runoff special election.
"It feels like a brand new day," Mr. Schumer said in a statement. "For the first time in six years, Democrats will operate a majority in the United States Senate — and that will be very good for the American people."
Why is the Georgia election so important, beyond stimulus checks? The New York Times reported that "much of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s ability to enact his agenda hangs in the balance. If Democrats win both Georgia races, the party would hold 50 seats in the Senate and de facto control of the chamber, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote and Senator Mitch McConnell relegated to minority leader."
