Are More Stimulus Checks Coming? Democrats Push Republicans To Negotiate A New Bill

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Monday pressured Senate Republicans to begin negotiations on another stimulus bill amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"Americans need and deserve bold action now. We have overcome larger problems than the COVID-19 pandemic but not without powerful and effective actions by our government," read a letter from Pelosi and Schumer. The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as cases spike across the country.

"It is unacceptable that the Senate would recess without addressing this urgent issue. On behalf of the millions of American families who desperately need Congressional action, we demand you change your mind and decide to work with us for the good of the country," the letter noted.

McConnell has said that talks on another bill will not take place until mid-July after a two-week July 4 recess.

The $2 trillion Cares Act in March boosted unemployment benefits with checks of $1,200 to most Americans and provided financial aid to small businesses impacted by coronavirus lockdown measures. In May, the Democratic-majority House of Representatives passed the $3 trillion Heroes Act, which would extend unemployment benefits and provide another round of checks.

President Trump and McConnell have called the Heroes Act “dead on arrival.” Trump has called for a “very generous” stimulus package, with a payroll tax cut and a “back-to-work” bonus some of the measures being considered.

The coronavirus continues to have an impact on the economy, as cases surge in sunbelt states such as Florida, Texas and Arizona. Florida and Texas have closed down bars in response to the outbreaks, with New Jersey also postponing the reopening of indoor dining as a preventative measure.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47.2% of Americans were jobless in May. This figure includes Americans who have given up looking for work amid the pandemic.

In the first quarter of the year, the U.S. economy contracted by 4.8% due to the impact of the virus. The Atlanta Fed projects that GDP could drop nearly 53% in the second quarter of the year.

The U.S. currently has the most COVID-19 in the world. As of 4:50 p.m. ET, there are 2,564,163 cases of the virus in the U.S. and a death toll of 125,928.