Stimulus update: Lawmakers back at negotiating table as key deadline approaches

WASHINGTON — Americans who have not received a stimulus check have until Saturday afternoon to request one from the IRS.

Others are left wondering if a second relief package could be passed.

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Trump administration officials say a compromise seems more promising now that the 2020 elections are over.

For months, lawmakers have been at odds over compromising on another coronavirus relief deal.

“We’re asking him to come to the table,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Friday.

Democrats have been pushing for a large-scale package to include money for things like rental assistance, more PPE, and more individual stimulus checks.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says Republicans will work with Democrats on a more targeted deal.

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The GOP has pushed focusing on industries hit hardest by the pandemic, like airlines and restaurants.

“...sending hundreds of billions of dollars to urgent and uncontroversial programs and let Washington argue over the rest later,” leader McConnell said.

This comes as the deadline for people still waiting to get their stimulus checks from the first round of relief will expire in less than 24 hours.

The IRS is reminding anyone who doesn’t normally file a tax return that they have until 3 p.m. Saturday to register with them for their coronavirus stimulus payment if they haven’t already.

It’s meant for people who aren’t required to file a tax return and haven’t registered yet.

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With negotiations still up in the air, it’s still unclear if Ameicans  will be seeing another stimulus check in the near future.

Some Republicans say a COVID-19 vaccine could reinvigorate parts of the economy, and it may alleviate some of the need for more government help, but we’re still months away from a vaccine widely available to the public.

Cox Media Group