Senate Republicans block move to bolster COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000

Senate Republicans Tuesday blocked a measure that would increase a new round of stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000 in an unusual post-Christmas floor session convened to override President Trump’s veto of a critical defense bill.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rejected a request by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass a measure that was approved Monday by a bipartisan House majority. The measure would increase the stimulus checks included in a coronavirus relief bill from $600 per person to $2,000.