House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) is “hopeful” Americans will begin receiving $1,400 direct payments as soon as next week.
During an interview with MSNBC Tuesday, Clyburn said he anticipates the House will vote on President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package on Wednesday.
“I’m very hopeful that by the beginning of next week, as some relief can be realized,” Clyburn said.
The House majority whip noted there is a process the government has to go through before it can deliver the checks.
He added, “The president can’t just toss the money out once he signs the bill.”
Host Kristen Welker sought to clarify with Clyburn whether he said the government could send the checks out by next week.
“That’s my thought. I used to run a state agency. I know what it’s like being an administrator,” Clyburn said.
He noted “we’ll be at the mercy of the administrative process.”
Watch his comments below:
When you look at this bill, you have to be a little bit compassionate in order to do what is necessary.
— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) March 9, 2021
So the Republicans not voting for this, simply demonstrates once again that they do not wish to do right by the American people. – via @MSNBC pic.twitter.com/oFFNRIUx14
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told reporters the timing of a vote on the measure “depends on when we get the paper from the Senate,” as IJR reported.
She added, “We’d take it up Wednesday morning at the latest.”
The Senate passed the relief bill in a 50-49 vote on Saturday, as IJR reported.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during her press briefing on Monday, “I will tell you that our focus right now is on getting this bill across the finish line, getting relief out to the American people, which we expect will happen by the end of the month.”
The final version of the legislation would provide payments to American taxpayers making less than $80,000 per year and couples who earn less than $160,000.