The Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives voted 275-134 to meet President Donald Trump's demand for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks on Monday, sending the measure on to an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Trump last week threatened to block a massive pandemic aid and spending package if Congress did not boost stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000 and cut other spending. He backed down from his demands on Sunday as a possible government shutdown brought on by the fight with lawmakers loomed and pressure mounted for the White House to approve something.
But Democratic lawmakers have long wanted $2,000 relief checks and used the rare point of agreement with Trump to advance the proposal - or at least put Republicans on record against it - in the vote on Monday. The majority of Dems backed the larger checks.
Wire services noted that several House Republicans ultimately backed the bigger stimulus checks as well.
Senators are set to return to session Tuesday to consider the measure, an Associated Press report said.
© 2025 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.