Congress Proposes Paying Americans $2,000 Per Month

"A one-time, $1,200 dollar check isn't going to cut it."

Emergency Money

Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing a bill that would pay Americans over the age of 16, individuals and families alike, $2,000 a month for six months — or however long the current coronavirus crisis continues to ravage the US economy.

The Emergency Money for the People Act was introduced by representatives Ro Khanna (D-Ca) and Tim Ryan (D-Oh) on Tuesday.

"A one-time, $1,200 dollar check isn't going to cut it," Khanna said in a statement, referring to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) signed by Trump on March 27.

Checks and Balances

Payments would also be available through a number of channels to ensure that those without a bank account or permanent home address can receive the money. Any American who makes less than $130,000 a year would be eligible. Each additional child would net an additional $500.

"Americans need sustained cash infusions for the duration of this crisis in order to come out on the other side alive, healthy, and ready to get back to work," Khanna added. "Members on both sides of the aisle are finally coming together around the idea of sending money out to people."

America CARES?

The news comes after President Trump signed the CARES Act into law last month. The $2 trillion package promised one-off $1,200 payments for every American, with another $500 billion allocated for corporate bailouts. Almost $50 billion were handed out to ailing airlines alone.

While the proposed monthly payments are a longshot in the United States' political landscape, the move wouldn't be without precedent. Canada, for instance, unveiled a $2,000 per month Emergency Response Benefit in response to the coronavirus.

READ MORE: Americans could get $2,000 a month until economy recovers from coronavirus [The Independent]

More on basic income: The Pope Just Endorsed Universal Basic Income