When COVID-19 was first designated a pandemic, Congress moved promptly and bipartisanly to offer the financial assistance that Americans required. Several big relief bills were passed under the Trump administration, with bipartisan backing on both sides of the aisle. Two stimulus checks were included in these laws.
Bipartisan backing for stimulus measures ended when President Biden took office. The American Rescue Plan Act was passed along party lines and offered the largest stimulus payment ever, with $1,400 checks delivered to qualified Americans’ bank accounts. Adults and dependents were eligible for the $1,400 payments.
Despite the fact that many people are still struggling and millions have signed a petition demanding for continuous direct payments, Washington, D.C. lawmakers have not provided any additional financial assistance since the American Rescue Plan Act.
Given how long it has been since the public has received a stimulus payment, many people are wondering if a fourth check will be forthcoming.
For most people, a fourth stimulus check is conceivable, although improbable.
It is quite doubtful that a fourth stimulus check will be issued to the majority of Americans.
Here are a few of the most important reasons:
The third check was passed along party lines, and a fourth is unlikely to receive Republican approval. When there was obviously more cause for a third check, Republicans were opposed. And Democrats can only pass a bill through Congress with Republican cooperation on a limited number of occasions. Unless they can get at least 10 Republicans on board, Democrats will have to use a procedure known as reconciliation to pass legislation. The Biden administration has other objectives for reconciliation bills, and reconciliation can only be used a limited number of times.
Democratic lawmakers are divided on whether or not another check should be issued: Because of the way the Senate works — and because Republicans and Democrats are split 50-50 in the Senate — Democrats will be unable to pass legislation without the unanimous backing of all Democratic senators unless they can persuade Republicans to cross party lines. Another stimulus bill is unlikely to receive 50 votes from Democrats, as some of the party’s more moderate senators are wary of providing a third check.
There aren’t likely to be any lockdowns: Because of extensive lockdowns that forced firms to close, support for the first two stimulus checks was strong. Lockdowns are unlikely to become common because there is no public support for them this long into the pandemic and with so many Americans vaccinated.
For all of these reasons, another check is unlikely unless conditions deteriorate dramatically, such as the emergence of a new COVID-19 form that is vaccine resistant, easily transmissible, and more lethal.
A fourth stimulus cheque will be sent to some Americans.
Despite the fact that most Americans will not receive a fourth check until 2022, some will. This may occur if:
In 2021, they did not receive the entirety of their stimulus funds. People whose wages declined in 2021 and who became eligible for a stimulus check despite their 2020 income being too high to qualify could be among those who missed out on part or all of their payouts. Anyone who added a dependent to their account last year may owe payments for that dependent. It will be essential to file a tax return for the year 2021 in order to receive this money.
Another stimulus check is provided by their current status. Some states are making payments this year with funds allocated by the federal government for COVID-19 assistance.
Aside from these scenarios, Americans shouldn’t expect extra aid from Washington in the form of a fourth stimulus check in 2022 unless the epidemic worsens.