Progressive Democrats signal support for Trump's higher direct payment request

President TrumpDonald TrumpRomney: 'Pretty sure' Trump would win 2024 GOP nomination if he ran for president Pence huddles with senior members of Republican Study Committee Trump says 'no doubt' Tiger Woods will be back after accident MORE's request that Congress rewrite the massive coronavirus relief bill passed earlier this week to include direct payments of $2,000 to Americans is being met with cheers from progressive Democrats. 

"Let’s do it," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezOcasio-Cortez criticizes opening of migrant facility for children under Biden Udalls: Haaland criticism motivated 'by something other than her record' Ocasio-Cortez targets Manchin over Haaland confirmation MORE (D-N.Y.) in a tweet late Tuesday. "[Rep. Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi TlaibJamaal Bowman's mother dies of COVID-19: 'I share her legacy with all of you' Democrats urge Biden FDA to drop in-person rule for abortion pill LIVE COVERAGE: Senate opens Trump's second impeachment trial MORE (D-Mich.)] and I already co-wrote the COVID amendment for $2,000 checks, so it’s ready to go."

"Glad to see the President is willing to support our legislation," Ocasio-Cortez added.

Let’s do it. @RashidaTlaib and I already co-wrote the COVID amendment for $2,000 checks, so it’s ready to go.

Glad to see the President is willing to support our legislation.

We can pass $2k checks this week if the Senate GOP agrees to stand down. https://t.co/GprwrUPali pic.twitter.com/nFFs1ExqCK

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 23, 2020

In a video message earlier Tuesday evening, Trump ripped the $2.3 trillion bill, which as written includes stimulus checks of only $600 as part of a $900 billion in coronavirus relief funding. The bill also includes  another $1.4 trillion to fund the government through most of next year. 

“A few months ago, Congress started negotiations on a new package to get urgently needed help to the American people. It’s taken forever. However, the bill they are now planning to send back to my desk is much different than anticipated. It really is a disgrace,” Trump said. “Despite all of this wasteful spending and much more, the $900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $600 each in relief payments, and not enough money is given to small businesses, and in particular restaurants, whose owners have suffered so grievously."

The bill has been criticized by many Democrats for not including enough money in stimulus checks for Americans and no funding for state and local governments adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Some Republicans have said the package is too expensive and chock full of wasteful spending and unnecessary items.  

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersSanders has right goal, wrong target in fight to help low-wage workers Democrats in standoff over minimum wage Sanders votes against Biden USDA nominee Vilsack MORE (I-Vt.) also welcomed Trump's remarks.

"That's great!" he tweeted. "Now, Mr. President, get [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell backs Garland for attorney general Trump to attend private RNC donor retreat The Patriot Party already exists — it's the Democrats MORE [R-Ky.] and your Republican friends to stop opposing it and we can provide working class Americans with $2,000. Let's do it."

That's great! I first introduced a bill to provide a $2,000 direct payment with @SenKamalaHarris & @EdMarkey 7 months ago. Now, Mr. President, get Mitch McConnell and your Republican friends to stop opposing it and we can provide working class Americans with $2,000. Let's do it. https://t.co/fKvqBsqM0k

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 23, 2020

Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiFive big takeaways on the Capitol security hearings Curator estimates Capitol art damage from mob totals K Democrats want businesses to help get LGBT bill across finish line MORE (D-Calif.) said she is ready to bring a pitch including the $2,000 checks to the House floor by unanimous consent.

"Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open and we're glad to pass more aid Americans need," Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerCongress holds candlelight vigil for American lives lost to COVID-19 The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Lawmakers investigate Jan. 6 security failures Senate confirms Thomas-Greenfield as UN ambassador MORE (D-N.Y.) said late Tuesday night.