The daily average for new cases stood at 71,906 on Wednesday, according to a New York Times tracker, down 21% from two weeks ago. known cases of COVID are continuing to ease, although the true tally is likely higher given how many people are testing at home, where the data are not being collected. GOP lawmakers are sticking with the view that dedicating more money to the country’s COVID response should be paid for by cutting spending elsewhere, or by allowing Americans to pay for vaccines and therapies themselves. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that while Ukraine aid “is obviously a priority,” he downplayed the need for other funding - even in his Kentucky home state, hit hard by devastating floods. The funds are part of a $47 billion package the administration is seeking to support Ukraine, and tackle COVID and monkeypox, and natural disasters. Republicans made clear on Wednesday that their position is that federal spending on the virus needs to be wound down and not ramped up, as the Associated Press reported. But if the CDC believes that a shutdown is necessary to protect the public, the administration's apparent willingness to get on board shows that a similar lockdown to March of 2020 isn't off the table - and a stimulus check would likely follow swiftly if this unpleasant reality occurs.Republican leaders are showing reluctance to vote for the $22 billion in funds that the White House is seeking to finance the next stage of the pandemic. Of course, the Biden administration hasn't suggested that lockdowns will definitely be happening any time soon. The two subsequent stimulus checks that people received took longer to negotiate and become law because restrictions had already begun to ease up slightly by the time they were issued. The initial lockdowns that occurred during the start of the pandemic in March of 2020 were the catalyst for the passage of the first stimulus check, which was signed into law by the Trump administration.Ĭongress acted swiftly at the time to get money into Americans' bank accounts because they realized how necessary the payments were due to the strict restrictions. With businesses shuttered, those who lose their jobs would likely not easily be able to find replacement work. If positive economic trends reverse and more lockdowns occur, this would once again affect the ability of millions of Americans to earn a living or to pay for essential costs such as food and housing. And demand for this financial aid has been mounting even as the economy has begun to open up and businesses have started hiring. If widespread lockdowns once again become necessary due to the more transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19, this would almost certainly necessitate the passage of another coronavirus relief bill providing a fourth stimulus payment.Īmericans have already shown they're eager for a fourth check, with a petition asking for ongoing direct payments getting close to 3 million signatures. More lockdowns would almost assuredly mean more stimulus checks With growing concerns about the Delta variant and the White House indicating that it is willing to do what is necessary to take drastic measures to curb the spread of the virus, there's a stronger possibility of a fourth stimulus check than at any time in recent months. "The CDC is a body that is very well-respected. "We listen to the CDC and the experts and their guidance," Jean-Pierre replied. The White House response made clear that lockdowns were definitely not off the table. More: These 0% intro APR credit cards made our best-of list But, he also once said we would not have to wear masks again once we are vaccinated." He went on to ask Principal Deputy Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, "So if you're listening to the science - if scientists come to you at some point down the line and say, 'It is our opinion that there should be shutdowns, and there should be school closures,' you would do that?"ĭiscover: This credit card has a rare $300 welcome bonus And, in light of this turnaround, Fox News' White House Correspondent Peter Doocy wanted to know if further shutdowns could be on the table.ĭuring a White House press briefing on Thursday, Doocy noted "President Biden once said we are not returning to lockdowns, shutdowns and school closures. The Biden White House has made clear that it is standing behind this guidance. While the federal agency's previous recommendation was that vaccinated people did not need to wear masks indoors, their updated guidance advises indoor masking for people in high-transmission areas - even if they are fully vaccinated. In recent days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its guidance on wearing face masks. The Biden administration will listen to the CDC, which could mean lockdowns - and potentially a fourth stimulus check.
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