Second stimulus breakthrough could mean new round of checks before 2021

There was a glimmer of hope on Thursday for stimulus talks, as U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer gave an update during a press conference in Gloversville.

He even went as far as to call it a potential ‘breakthrough’, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell joined negotiations.

The apparent change is the increased desire among Republican lawmakers to see a second stimulus package moved.

A temporary deal could come as soon as the next 30 days, lawmakers contended. Congressman Tom Reed (R-23) has been organizing the Problem Solvers Caucus to push for a second stimulus bill.

Schumer also hinted that a second bill could be pushed during the first several months of President-elect Joe Biden’s term in office.

To that end, Biden said on Wednesday that he thought Republican lawmakers would be more willing to move forward with a second stimulus package once his term begins.

“Hopefully, when he’s gone, they will be more willing to do what they know should be done – has to be done – in order to save the communities they live in,” Biden said speaking to frontline workers.

The issue has been the price tag over the last few months. Originally, Democrats wanted to see upwards of $3 trillion spent. While Republicans lobbied for significantly less. Both parties have closed the gap in terms of what they are willing to see in the next round of stimulus spending.