In July, a second stimulus check seemed like a given.
But the odds of a second stimulus check are growing slimmer by the day.
They were left out of the bill altogether.
This post refers to stimulus checks issued in 2020. For the most up-to-date info, check out ourrecent tax articles.
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What Happened to the Second Stimulus Check?
The checks werent especially controversial, but Republicans immediately rejected the overall bill due to its cost.
Republicans proposed a smaller $1 trillion bill, dubbed the HEALS Act, in July.
The bill included another round of payments virtually identical to the first stimulus checks.
So the payments seemed like a given.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said if Congress approved more stimulus checks, he couldissue 50 million paymentsthe following week.
Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans have remained deadlocked on a broader relief bill that would include more stimulus checks.
Senate Republicans introduced their skinny bill on Tuesday after lawmakers returned from recess.
But from the beginning, it was widely expected to fail.
With both sides at odds, the chances of a second stimulus check dwindle by the day.
Is There Any Hope of Another Stimulus Payment?
Sure, it could happen.
But Congress has just three weeks left to pass additional relief before they recess again on Oct. 2.
They wont return until after the election.
Theyve been wrangling over the next relief bill for the past four months.
Now theyre even further apart on what to do next.
The past four months dont exactly inspire optimism about what theyll accomplish over the next three weeks.
But you certainly shouldnt count on it.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior editor at The Penny Hoarder.
She writes the Dear Penny personal finance advice column.
Send your tricky money questions to[email protected].
