Biden tells Democrats he would consider limits on who gets COVID-19 checks

[webfact]

Biden tells Democrats he would consider limits on who gets COVID-19 checks

By Susan Cornwell and Lisa Lambert

 

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pay their respects to U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died on January 7 from injuries he sustained while protecting the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack on the building, as he lies in honor at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., February 2, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis/Pool

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden told congressional Democrats on Wednesday he would not back down on including $1,400 checks for struggling Americans in his COVID-19 relief plan but would consider tighter limits on who gets them, lawmakers and aides said.

 

Biden held a conference call with House of Representatives Democrats and talked with Democratic senators at the White House as the party prepared to use a procedural maneuver to push Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package through without Republican votes if necessary.

 

"We did have a conversation about the direct payments and how those might be modified in a way to ensure they're targeted," Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Biden's home state of Delaware, said as he left the White House Wednesday morning.

 

"But President Biden was clear with us and with our caucus yesterday, he's not going to forget the middle class, he's not going to walk back from a real commitment."

 

Biden has made addressing the heavy human and economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 447,000 Americans and thrown millions out of work, a key focus of the early weeks of his administration.

 

Biden and the Democrats agreed on the need to move swiftly to get $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.

 

She said Biden and Senate Democrats also agreed to make the process as bipartisan as possible, for a plan that also includes money for vaccines and additional unemployment benefits. But Republicans have balked at the $1.9 trillion price tag, particularly after the $4 trillion in COVID-19 aid passed last year.

 

Biden might win over some Republicans if he makes modifications, but if there are no changes, Senator Mitt Romney said Wednesday, "I would predict not a single Republican will support the $1.9 trillion plan."

 

Romney was among 10 moderate Republican senators who met Biden on Monday and whose counter-proposal on COVID-19 aid amounts to about a third the size of the president's plan.

 

Biden's proposal mirrors income requirements in previous COVID-19 bills that would provide payments to individuals making up to $75,000, and couples $150,000, a year.

 

When Psaki on Tuesday was asked to draw some lines on where Biden stood on the stimulus checks, she offered an example of a couple, a nurse and a teacher, making $120,000 and said under the Biden plan, they would get a stimulus check, but not under a plan by Republican senators.

 

Congressional Democrats on Tuesday took their first steps to fast-track the massive aid package, voting in both chambers to open debate on a spending resolution that would give them a legislative tool called "reconciliation" to pass the relief without Republican support.

 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Democrats' strategy does not preclude bipartisan cooperation, but vowed a sweeping measure that includes assistance for the unemployed, businesses, housing, schools, state and local governments and vaccine distribution.

 

"We must go big and bold ...We are united as one for a big, bold package, working with our Republican friends when we can," Schumer said Wednesday after he and several other Senate Democrats met Biden at the White House.

 

But Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats' decision to press ahead with a framework that allows the eventual COVID-19 relief bill to pass with a simple majority, calling it a "partisan jam".

 

(Additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Steve Holland; Editing by Scott Malone, Howard Goller and Alistair Bell)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-02-04

 

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[Don Chance]

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

[Tug]

15 minutes ago, Don Chance said:

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

I agree especially when 1400 was about my weekly tax liability (fed and state)combined one less aircraft carrier task force make ,the wealthy pay a bit more ,after all it’s the working folks that make the rich rich a hand up under thease circumstances is appropriate imo so get it done 

[J Town]

49 minutes ago, Don Chance said:

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

And the US is currently the wealthiest nation in the history of the planet.

[J Town]

Absolutely agree to limiting the checks to those who need it. The previous standard allowed a couple making $300k/year to each receive a check.

[Credo]

34 minutes ago, J Town said:

Absolutely agree to limiting the checks to those who need it. The previous standard allowed a couple making $300k/year to each receive a check.

I agree, as long as I am on the receiving side of the stimulus!

 

[J Town]

18 minutes ago, Credo said:

I agree, as long as I am on the receiving side of the stimulus!

 

If you need it, you should receive it.

[J Town]

Republican's biggest argument is President Biden's package is just too big. ????

[Jingthing]

Personally I think the direct checks should be even more limited in who they go to than even the moderate republicans. 

[J Town]

4 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Personally I think the direct checks should be even more limited in who they go to than even the moderate republicans. 

It's a tough call. If I were in the states on my pension I'd really need those checks. Living in LOS, I just throw them in my savings account earning next to nothing.

 

The cost of proper oversight would WELL pay for itself. They're erring on the side of getting money in the hands of people who are literally hanging on by a frayed thread.

[Tug]

1 hour ago, J Town said:

Republican's biggest argument is President Biden's package is just too big. ????

That’s a good one lol old Donald will be insanely jealous lol

[Emdog]

I don't need the money here, but sure would if I were in US.

I will take the money, however. Use it for getting vaccine for myself, wife and her family as US gov doesn't give a damn about us getting it over here

[placeholder]

2 hours ago, Emdog said:

I don't need the money here, but sure would if I were in US.

I will take the money, however. Use it for getting vaccine for myself, wife and her family as US gov doesn't give a damn about us getting it over here

And apparently they don't give a damn about expats' big tax exemption either. Are  you willing to trade that for free vaccine?

[Jeffr2]

10 hours ago, Don Chance said:

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

So that's 1,800, less 20%, or $1,440 USD? Some US states give $2,400 a month. Hmmm....

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unemployment_insurance_in_the_United_States

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

But Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Democrats' decision to press ahead with a framework that allows the eventual COVID-19 relief bill to pass with a simple majority, calling it a "partisan jam".

 

That's funny (sad). I don't recall McConnell complaining much when he and his fellow Republicans used the reconciliation process in an unsuccessful attempt to repeal Obamacare, or later in their successful bid to enact Trump's tax plan extending more perks to the rich.

 

More of the Republicans' "it's bad when the Democrats try to do it," but "it's perfectly fine when we when we do the same thing"!!!

 

"While Trump and the Congress were unable to use reconciliation to repeal the ACA, they were successful in using the tool to enact a tax reform bill, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, that included, among other provisions, the repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate and reductions to tax rates."

 

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/budget-reconciliation-use-recent-years

 

Don't recall Mitch calling it a "partisan jam" when the Republican Senate used it to pass Trump's tax law.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Biden might win over some Republicans if he makes modifications, but if there are no changes, Senator Mitt Romney said Wednesday, "I would predict not a single Republican will support the $1.9 trillion plan."

 

Since when have the Republicans in Congress ever objected to measures aimed at giving more money or tax cuts to the already rich?

 

Trump Tax Cuts Helped Billionaires Pay Less Taxes Than The Working Class In 2018

 

For the first time in American history, the 400 wealthiest people paid a lower tax rate than any other group, according to a new study by economists Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman at the University of California, Berkeley.

...

The Trump administration’s tax cuts for the wealthy highlight the fact that policy is moving in the wrong direction. Especially when there’s worry of a potential recession.

...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was the largest tax overhaul in over three decades. It was rushed through congress and it’s working exactly as it was intended to do so: to line the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of the working class.

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/camilomaldonado/2019/10/10/trump-tax-cuts-helped-billionaires-pay-less-taxes-than-the-working-class-in-2018/?sh=1cd5ab873128

 

 

Edited February 4, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[J Town]

17 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

That's funny (sad). I don't recall McConnell complaining much when he and his fellow Republicans used the reconciliation process in an unsuccessful attempt to repeal Obamacare, or later in their successful bid to enact Trump's tax plan extending more perks to the rich.

<snip>

 

I know the Dem's aren't perfect, but the level of hypocrisy and blatant lies displayed by the current GOP is staggering. McCarthy today claiming he couldn't even pronounce the word "QAnon" let alone know who they were is infuriating - there's video evidence to the contrary. And Lyndsey? Let's not even get started with THAT one! And they all pay tribute to the biggest lying hypocrite of all.

 

But the WORST of it all is how they have bamboozled the base Republican. There is no critical thinking amongst most of them. A few regular posters have slunk into the background in shame, realizing how wrong they were. It's too bad, for those here capable of sussing the truth aren't interested in retribution. Hey - welcome aboard the truth train! ????

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Ya, like, three years ago, we have plenty of money to provide tax cuts that benefit the rich more than everyone else. But today, those same Republican politicians are arguing, ohhh..... can't spend so much on COVID relief, shouldn't provide so much more unemployment benefits, too much money for local governments, etc etc...  Hypocrisy!

 

Here’s who is saving the most money from Trump’s tax cuts

 

"Past reports have found that the tax cuts disproportionately helped the richest Americans.

...

“Most of the tax cut went to businesses and higher income individuals who are less likely to spend the increases,” reads the report.

 

That exacerbates income inequality in the country, according to the Tax Policy Center, and as the wealthiest families see their incomes rise more than middle- or lower-income Americans, they are able to save more. In fact, while the wealthiest 20% of families in the U.S. saw their post-tax income increase by 2.9% on average after the cuts, middle-income earners saw just a 1.6% increase, per TPC."

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/23/who-is-saving-the-most-money-from-trumps-tax-cuts.html

 

Government tax breaks for the richest Americans, Republicans are fine with that. But government tax breaks and financial support for the unemployed, those facing eviction, etc etc amid the COVID pandemic... Well, that all sounds way too expensive to us.

 

[sirineou]

12 hours ago, Don Chance said:

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

In NY the unemployment as of last year was $2016 per month,  next door in NJ  it is $2815 per month, Who is cheap now?

[sirineou]

There should be regional adjustments.

In some markets  a  person making $75K a year is doing great, in others you are barely keeping your head above water. 

When I was working in NYC it cost me over $200 a week to commute to work.  Only the GW bridge toll was $16 and the Triboro Bridge was $9.50 each way. Early-bird parking was $22 per day.  My property taxes $890 a month. 

At $75K and under , almost no one in NYC will get a stimulus check. And what about the people who were making  $75K last year and now are making ZERO? do they atleast get a bottle of vaseline?

Edited February 4, 2021 by sirineou

[mlmcleod]

16 hours ago, Don Chance said:

In Canada we are getting $1800 a month unemployment benefit. Americans sure are cheap.

In the USA you are considered to be a lazy good for nothing if you can't work.  So unemployment is considered to be welfare by the Republicans.  Their approach to welfare is that you need to work to get it. Makes it tough when there is no job!

 

Th motto of the Republican party has always been WORK or DIE!

[J Town]

8 hours ago, mlmcleod said:

In the USA you are considered to be a lazy good for nothing if you can't work.  So unemployment is considered to be welfare by the Republicans.  Their approach to welfare is that you need to work to get it. Makes it tough when there is no job!

 

Th motto of the Republican party has always been WORK or DIE!

Shades of "Boxer" from "Animal Farm" come to mind.

[Emdog]

On 2/4/2021 at 4:15 PM, placeholder said:

And apparently they don't give a damn about expats' big tax exemption either. Are  you willing to trade that for free vaccine?

What big taxpayers exemption? I must have missed that one....

[placeholder]

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

What big taxpayers exemption? I must have missed that one....

I know that the first  $100,000+ dollars of earned income is exempt from Federal taxation if you can establish that your domicile is abroad.

[Emdog]

20 hours ago, placeholder said:

I know that the first  $100,000+ dollars of earned income is exempt from Federal taxation if you can establish that your domicile is abroad.

earned where? My income is all from US: pension, SS & pittance from interest payments. Could you be so kind as to direct me to where that might be in tax code. I'll raise a glass or two to you as incentive...

[placeholder]

1 hour ago, Emdog said:

earned where? My income is all from US: pension, SS & pittance from interest payments. Could you be so kind as to direct me to where that might be in tax code. I'll raise a glass or two to you as incentive...

I'm on my mobile right now and have a problem linking but a quick search showed that pensions are taxable the same way salaries are. And if you have an income above a certain limit, then so are SS benefits.

[EVENKEEL]

22 hours ago, placeholder said:

I know that the first  $100,000+ dollars of earned income is exempt from Federal taxation if you can establish that your domicile is abroad.

If that's true you're hired as my accountant.

[timendres]

22 hours ago, placeholder said:

I know that the first  $100,000+ dollars of earned income is exempt from Federal taxation if you can establish that your domicile is abroad.

 

This is true, only if the income was earned outside of the US, and if you paid income tax in the country in which you earned the income, and if said country has a "double taxation agreement" with the US. Otherwise, you owe US taxes.

[Dart12]

too bad the citizens were used as leverage for votes last time instead of just giving the 2k outright out of $4trillion.  Now using it as leverage again to line their backers pockets with another $1.9 trillion and STILL waffling on giving it out?.?

And whoever said their friends make $300k each and got it, they must have good accountants.  
 

The checks are only for Individuals earning under $75,000 and heads of households under $112,500 typically qualify for the full $600 stimulus payment. Those married and filing jointly or surviving spouses earning under $150,000 usually qualify for a $1,200 payment.

If you exceed the income requirements, you may still receive a reduced stimulus payment, but the $600 payment phases out completely at $87,000 AGI for individuals and $174,000 AGI for couples filing jointly.

[placeholder]

3 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

If that's true you're hired as my accountant.

It applies only to earned income. So pensions don't count as earned income even though it's taxed the same way ordinarily. Neither does Social Security count as earned incoe

"The foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign housing exclusion, and the foreign housing deduction are based on foreign earned income. For this purpose, foreign earned income is income you receive for services you perform in a foreign country in a period during which your tax home is in a foreign country and you meet either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test."

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion-what-is-foreign-earned-income