The Stimulus Bill provided emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. President Trump signed the $900 billion stimulus bill on Dec. 17, 2020 after it was approved by the House and Senate. The bill consisted of a $600 payment for adults and children.

(See more: NCSL: COVID-19 Stimulus Bill, Congress: S.3548 – CARES Act)

Rep. Mike Bost, Republican representative for district 12 of Illinois, supported the economic relief bill that was proposed on Dec. 28, 2020, but he opposed increasing coronavirus-related stimulus payments from $2,000 to $600 on Dec. 28, 2020. 

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had her own partisan agenda, which impacted jobs, businesses, and the people of Southern Illinois, according to a Facebook post made by Rep. Boat on December 21, 2020.

“Had Speaker Pelosi put the needs of the American public above her own partisan agenda, we could have saved countless jobs and businesses months ago. While it shouldn’t have taken until the 11th hour, I am thankful that help is on the way,” Bost said. “Hardworking Southern Illinois families, healthcare and frontline workers, and small businesses, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by COVID-19 shutdowns. This legislation will provide desperately needed relief to millions of Americans this holiday season and, combined with the successes of Operation Warp Speed, gives us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” 

Pelosi said the Senate republicans and Sen. Mitch McConnell were responsible for blocking the $2000 increase for the stimulus package which would provide less financial support for the American people.  

“In blocking it, they are in denial of the hardship that the American people are experiencing now, healthwise, financially in every way. Their lives and livelihood in many cases are on the brink,” Pelosi said. “Though they are in denial of that need, in denying this benefit, I do hope that in the days ahead, we only have a few days left in this session, that they will see the light and understand the suffering that is going on in this country.” 

Pelosi said the American people are suffering as a result of the republicans refusal to sign the increase, which could stimulate the economy and create more employment opportunities. 

“It’s amazing to see the patience that some people have with other people suffering. These republicans in the senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people’s sadness. We urge Mitch McConnell to stop his obstruction and to bring that legislation to the floor of the senate. And we urge republicans in the senate to encourage him to do so.” Pelosi said. 

Sen. McConnell objected to the bid for an increase in the relief package. He said the senate was not going to be bullied into rushing out more borrowed money and the increase had no realistic path to quickly pass the senate. 

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“Our colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another stand-alone proposal from speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt,” McConnell said.

“It’s really important to note how important this money in the pockets of the American people are. If they have the resources, they spend it, they inject demand into the economy, that is jobs created.” Pelosi said. 

Courtney Alexander can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at ___Courtney_alex23______. 

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