Your Stimulus Check Is in Pelosi’s Hands [OPINION]

Some folks feel a second stimulus check is a bad idea. They believe that a government-issued check for services not rendered simply grows the national debt and does little to help folks deal with their COVID-related circumstances. I get it.

Still, others believe that putting extra cash in the hands of consumers cannot be a bad thing, particularly given the fact that many businesses have suffered tremendous losses. The looming holiday shopping season could make or break some of those businesses. Also, some folks have fallen behind, and a financial boost might help them to catch up a bit. That makes sense, too.

Whatever your view on the stimulus debate, it is clear that the issuance of checks has become a political football between the Trump Administration and Democrats in Congress. But then again, what isn't?

Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is seeking billions of dollars more than the administration wants to spend on a COVID-19 relief package. Republicans say Pelosi's plan contains spending for a host of things that are unrelated to the COVID crisis and have rejected it outright. Pelosi is using the legislation to rewrite election laws and provide assistance to illegal aliens, things that have no connection to COVID-19.

President Trump has decided to postpone negotiations on a COVID relief bill until after the election but is calling on Pelosi to send him legislation that would allow stimulus checks to go out. "If I am sent a Stand-Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY. I am ready to sign right now. Are you listening Nancy?" Trump tweeted on Tuesday night.

Trump is challenging Pelosi in a high-stakes game of chicken. It's a classic staredown. Traditionally the Republicans blink first during times of political brinkmanship but Trump cannot cave to Pelosi on this. There is a lot riding on this standoff for both sides.

You may disagree, and if you do I want to hear from you, but I think Trump is right to separate the stimulus check from the rest of the COVID package and let the chips fall where they may. The ball is now in Pelosi's court.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.