Stimulus bill's $1200 will not carry people very far: Former Clinton Labor Secretary

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor during the Clinton administration, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss if the stimulus bill will provide the assistance the U.S. economy needs.

The House passed a $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Friday, sending the unprecedented measure to President Donald Trump’s desk after a scramble to block an effort to delay its passage.

The chamber approved what is believed to be the largest spending package in U.S. history by voice vote, which simply measures if more lawmakers shout for “aye” or “nay” on whether to support it. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., tried to force a full yes or no vote on the measure, which could have delayed its passage by hours. Irritated House members rushed back to Washington in cars and near-empty planes to head off his effort, and some eviscerated him for risking their safety. Trump called him a “third rate Grandstander” and said he should be booted out of the Republican Party.

The plan, which includes one-time payments to individuals, strengthened unemployment insurance, additional health-care funding and loans and grants to businesses to deter layoffs, got through the Senate unanimously on Wednesday night. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had described the bill “as mitigation” of the pandemic’s destruction, predicting Congress will draft more plans to aid in “recovery.”

Trump will sign the bill at a ceremony set for 4 p.m. ET. While it is unclear how quickly the government will dole out some of the money such as increased unemployment benefits and small business loans, the White House and congressional leaders have said some individuals will receive direct payments of up to $1,200 within three weeks.



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[_baller]

Yeah 1200 is not enough need 2000, if the government can't even afford ppls rent then you KNOW the cost of living is too high, and incomes are too

[jetsamjetsam]

WE NEED 10K PER PERSON, THAT'S $3T

[MJer]

They need an “expert” to tell us that $1200 isn’t worth much? My wife and I live in Seattle. Our combined $2400 will work for about 2.5 weeks of our minimum expenses.

[_baller]

Should be a minimum handout like a minimum wage of 2000 dollars

[absolutetruth]

Hardcore Absolute Fact: ALL Americans MUST make $24/Hour minimum to completely fix this country just to a STABLE is not even enough anymore to create a healthy middle ( single individuals with no kids )

[barbarasmith]

When Robert Reich speaks, we would all be wise to listen.

[uxghpjv]

Andrew Yang tried is best to explain UBI to the people who wanted to listen! Now look at us!
1200$ one time payment ain’t going to cut it for the average working American period.

[theextremeteam]

1200 is my month’s rent... That’s without food, without gas, without essentials to get to work.... I won’t even be able to pay taxes off that. This is why we need to pay congress minimum wage so they can see first hand how we live....

[reedackerman]

This is absolutely not a quibble! This is most CERTAINLY a quarrel! How dare you be so diminutive to this quarrel by calling it a quibble!

[PatrickHolmesHollywood]

1200 in la is nothing let’s make it 400, 000 since money grows on trees

[tombrenes]

1200 is not even for workers on minimum wage what about the average salary in the USA and hand out 3-4 checks because that's how long this will take then it's greed as usual

[The_General_Zubas]

there should be a UBI for everyone, 2000 a month, every month, from birth to death. if you don't need it? donate it, then get a nice tax break :D


we give everyone a Debit card, like a EBT card.

[roundtko]

$1200 is for wood and nails to make your coffin because the U.S is epicentre of covid-19

[angusm]

Rep. Massie is the only politician that should be reelected.

[floridapremiercoatings]

People who make under 35k a year compared to 2-7 Trillion dollars regularly Americans are really going to break

[sleazemarko]

If you don't like the stimulus package, write down ~Return to sender~ at the back of the government rescue check when you receive it.

[WizEL]

The Wall St bailout is gunna cost every citizun $18K—some of u r gunna get back $1200 of that for yoursulf so.. Du the math

[naturallydopeiammyhair]

That should at least be 1200 a month or for as long as we are on lockdown! #profitoverpeople🤬

[TheSampson]

Alot of people have to live off less than $1200.00 a month on social security

[ahlim]

Some will not live to receive 1200$ checks