House Could Take Up Second Stimulus Next Week

Congressional Democrats renewed their call for a second economic stimulus package on Tuesday, hoping to seize the upper hand on the economy just eight weeks from Election Day.

Democratic leadership aides said the House could begin work on a second stimulus package as early as next week.

Sen. Charles Schumer said a second stimulus was "at the top of the list" of priorities for the next several weeks.

In a series of press conferences throughout the day, Democratic leaders identified a laundry list of components for the package, including spending on infrastructure, the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program, an extension for unemployment benefits, aid to states facing increased Medicaid costs and food stamps, among other priorities.

However, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said another round of rebate checks would not be included in a second stimulus package.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi highlighted a recent a recent five-year high in the unemployment rate as a call to action.

“More than nine million Americans are out of work,” said Pelosi. “Hopefully that statistic will speak eloquently that a second economic stimulus is needed.”
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