Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced a proposal that was expected to bring much-needed relief to millions of American families.
His new bill seeks to distribute tariff rebate checks totaling at least $600 per person; however, this appears to be impossible.
Other Republican senators have criticized the bill, which promises “at least” $600 for every adult and dependent child, calling it a “bad idea” and “unsustainable” given the federal cost of approximately $164 billion.
This is compounded by skepticism from several economists, who doubt that the measure will provide the necessary financial relief to consumers.
Despite the fact that former President Donald Trump supports the idea, his strained relationship with Hawley makes it unlikely that they will collaborate to move the project forward.
What is the $600 stimulus payment project about?
The project, spearheaded by Hawley, is known as the “Reimbursement for American Workers Act” and consists of sending direct checks to US households funded by revenue generated by tariffs imposed on foreign products. The plan aims to send at least $600 for each adult and dependent minor.
Why won’t the bill pass?
Hawley’s plan to send tariff rebate checks faces insurmountable challenges. On the one hand, the lack of enthusiasm among Republicans in Congress, who have already passed a bill costing $4.1 trillion in the last decade, makes any new spending initiative unlikely.
In addition, several senators, including James Lankford, Ron Johnson, and Roger Marshall, have publicly opposed the plan, arguing that the funds should be used to reduce the national debt.
