Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoes progressive ultimatum for stimulus checks: 'If Congress needs to spend Christmas on the House floor, so be it'

• As stimulus negotiations progress slowly, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Tuesday night, "If Congress needs to spend Christmas on the House floor, so be it."
• Ocasio-Cortez and the progressive caucus have been campaigning for the inclusion of $2,000 direct checks for Americans and higher unemployment benefits in the next COVID-19 relief bill.
• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said Congress will not adjourn this year if it does not pass a stimulus bill. Ocasio-Cortez accused him of "playing games with peoples' lives for corporate handouts."

After the Congressional Progressive Caucus sent a letter to congressional leaders on Tuesday asking for $2,000 stimulus checks to be included in the next relief package. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez boosted its message online.

On Twitter, Ocasio-Cortez shared a statement from the caucus following meetings and conversations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In the statement, Rep. Pramila Jayapal said progressives were "united" behind the idea that "any package must include direct survival checks and enhanced unemployment assistance, the two most effective ways to get money directly to people."

On Twitter, Ocasio-Cortez reiterated a commitment to pushing for stimulus checks. "I will not vote for a COVID package that doesn't include survival payments and unemployment relief for the American people," she said. "It's a red line. It's also common sense."

Talks on COVID-19 relief have progressed slowly, and lawmakers have put forth several proposals.

A bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill unveiled on Monday included $300 weekly federal unemployment benefits into April but did not include stimulus checks.

A smaller effort led by independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley called for one-time $1,200 direct payments to be included in the relief package. The senators threatened to withhold their votes if the checks are not included.

The White House has entertained including $600 stimulus checks but taking increased unemployment benefits off the table.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said Congress will not adjourn this year if it does not pass a stimulus bill and has advocated a bill with protections for businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. Ocasio-Cortez accused him of "playing games with peoples' lives for corporate handouts."

"It ends here," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted.

"If Congress needs to spend Christmas on the House floor, so be it," she said in another tweet. "People are getting kicked out of their homes. This help should not be partisan nor controversial. It is disgusting that the Senate GOP is holding financial help hostage to gain immunity for corps to harm workers."