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Top Trump economic adviser says more $1,200 stimulus checks could be sent out in next virus relief program

A WHITE House adviser said on Tuesday government officials are “studying” the possibility of sending more $1,200 stimulus checks amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Economic adviser Kevin Hassett : “I think that’s something that we are studying very carefully, that I know that people in the are as well.”

 White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told reporters that government officials are 'studying' another possible round of coronavirus stimulus checks
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White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told reporters that government officials are 'studying' another possible round of coronavirus stimulus checksCredit: Reuters

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which were part of the $2.2trillion economic relief package in March.

Hassett suggested another stimulus package was in the works, and said he expects “that it’s very likely there will be a ‘phase four’ deal.”

“We’re going to be speaking with the president throughout the week about what he thinks should be in there.”

The White House official added: "[Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell and are working on that as well, so I think the odds that there won't be one more round of legislation is pretty low."

 Around 88 million Americans have received the first round of checks, approved by Congress in March as part of a $2.2trillion stimulus package
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Around 88 million Americans have received the first round of checks, approved by Congress in March as part of a $2.2trillion stimulus packageCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Earlier this month, said another economic package was being worked on between his administration and Congress.

“We could very well do a second round [of stimulus checks],” Trump said at the time. “It is absolutely under serious consideration.”

reportedly don't think the current amount of $1,200 is enough to combat mass unemployment.

Representatives Tim Ryan, from , and Ro Khanna, of , the Emergency Money For the People Act as COVID-19 continues to pummel the .

 Trump, pictured here in March during the $2.2trillion bill signing, said earlier this month that another economic package was being worked on between his administration and Congress
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Trump, pictured here in March during the $2.2trillion bill signing, said earlier this month that another economic package was being worked on between his administration and CongressCredit: Alamy Live News

This bill expands who is eligible, how much checks amount to, and how people will pocket the payment.

It would continue until national employment levels return to what they were .

And Ryan said support for the proposal is increasing, as he tweeted on Monday: "Currently building momentum in the House to include in the next package.”

As 22 million people file for unemployment, Americans aged 16+ who make less than $130,000 a year will are set to receive $2,000 a month through this plan.

Trump signs $484 billion bill to help small businesses and hospitals struggling in pandemic

On Friday, under stress from the pandemic.

Trump thanked Congress for “answering my call” to provide the critical assistance and said it was “a tremendous victory.”

The president said most of the funding in the bill would flow to small businesses to keep workers on their payroll.

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Since the outbreak hit the US, roughly 26 million Americans have filed for jobless aid — or about one in every six workers.

Businesses have shut down and employees have stayed home as governors and officials throughout the country .

As of Tuesday, in the US, with nearly 58,000 deaths.

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