LIVE: House Democratic Caucus Holds News Conference as Biden Fast Tracks Covid Stimulus

(Feb. 3) Watch live as House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries and leadership colleagues speak to reporters following their weekly caucus meeting. President Biden joins by phone to discuss the American Rescue Plan.

President Joe Biden told House Democrats on Wednesday that backing anything less than $1,400 stimulus checks would mean starting his presidency with a broken promise, according to participants on a caucus conference call.

Biden said he was open to considering tighter eligibility requirements for stimulus checks but signaled he wasn’t willing to reduce the standard of a $1,400 payment outlined in his aid package, the people said.

Republican lawmakers have suggested both reducing the amount of the next round of stimulus checks and sending them to a smaller group of Americans. But shrinking the payment means Biden wouldn’t be able to deliver his campaign promise of $2,000 payments to many Americans, a total that includes the $600

Senate Republicans have proposed issuing $1,000 payments for individuals earning up to $40,000 or couples making twice that, and completely phasing out the payments by $50,000 for singles or $100,000 for married couples.

Despite those differences, Biden told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Democrats: “I think we’ll get some Republicans.”

Individuals earning up to $75,000 or couples making up to $150,000 were eligible for the full stimulus payments in the previous two rounds of coronavirus relief enacted last year. Above those levels, the payments phased out gradually.

Biden also told lawmakers he was more concerned that they would spend too little on a recovery package rather than too much, addressing reservations among some on Capitol Hill who say his proposal is too costly. He added that lawmakers should act quickly on his plan, which also includes billions for vaccine development and distribution along with a minimum wage hike.

Some progressive Democrats are seeking even higher payments, arguing that to fulfill his promise to voters, Biden must increase the checks to $2,000 on top of the $600. The White House has pushed back on that idea.

Earlier Wednesday, Biden met at the White House with Democratic Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper of Delaware.

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[brydensmith]

If it such a sufferage, then why do Americans get so little yet, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran get so much money out of this “SaveAmericaBill”???

[whatever]

What do they know about suffering? They NEVER missed a check. 🤷‍♀️

[johnbaker]

‎We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, ‎

[jonathannoble]

False. Sending through anything less than $2k would mean starting off his presidency with ANOTHER lie

[manuelmejia]

Whats crazy is none of Trumps Press briefings were nothing like this😂🤣

[jayc]

And guess what? Kids are still in cages.

[FenrirYT]

See I am a Reb and I agree with the Dems fast track it for the people. Rep seem like they don't give a shit right now.

[peacemongerjones]

Sorry, I can't take anyone serious if they're wearing two masks.

[MandiMomOfChannel]

*Wishing everyone a healthy and safe week* ❤️

[dennyhutton]

It’s just going happen again because u guys like the drama more than helping our people

[ksfinancials-investingands]

I hope that everyone will receive his stimulus as soon as possible

[NastyWorks]

This man defended the capital which was his job. And he did. The people on the capital are supposed to defend America and the constitution the job they are not doing

[Moleanimationchannel]

I’m still waiting for my IMMEDIATE stimulus check.

[ssegal]

Let's fix the mess that Trump left, good job Democrats.

[cannigettaminit]

GO BIDEN ADMIN! STRAIGHTEN THIS MESS OUT!

[revoltingslob]

Just to let you all know this dude lokks crazy on shrooms

[genesis]

Can we get $10, 000 for credit card forgiveness? Seriously! Please make a video on how much credit card debt our country holds, per person.

[Mynameisjeffffff]

“And you’ll get $2, 000 the first day I’m in office” 🤣😂😅

[Don-krtp]

"fast track" translation, get it done quickly so no one knows what is in the bill and won't know all of the payoffs are included.

[rosalynjolly]

Ooooh lets not forget property taxes 😱