The COVID-19 pandemic irrevocably altered people's lives, so it's not surprising that the government declared a state of emergency. Even though COVID-19 has not been eradicated, most people's lives have returned to normal.
As the pandemic threat diminished, the country maintained its official state of emergency. However, this will end shortly. Recently, President Joe Biden declared that the national and public health emergency declaration would be extended until May 11, 2023, but that it would be terminated after that.
"This wind-down would align with the Administration's previous commitments to give at least 60 days' notice before termination of the PHE," the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said in an administration policy statement. In a separate statement, OMB said Biden would reject a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress that may eliminate COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare providers working on certain federal programs.
This important announcement may affect the likelihood that you will receive another stimulus check in the future.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States with full force, it prompted bipartisan action to provide financial assistance to the public during lockdowns. Lawmakers on both sides supported the first and second stimulus checks.
After Biden assumed office, however, Republicans ceased to support the notion of additional financial aid. The third stimulus check was passed by Democrats alone, with no support from conservative lawmakers.
Since Biden's inauguration, the balance of power in Congress has shifted, making it impossible to authorize a fourth check without the support of Republicans and Democrats. Therefore, it is extremely unlikely that the federal government would issue a second payment unless the pandemic posed a similar threat as it did initially.
With the president's announcement that the emergency declaration is coming to a close, it is evident that experts do not anticipate the pandemic to intensify and cause additional lockdowns. If COVID-19 is no longer an emergency after May, there will be no reason for Congress to attempt to send a fourth check.
Once COVID-19 is no longer deemed an emergency, it is almost certain that pandemic-related stimulus payments will not be made, but it is still possible that stimulus funds could be sent for other reasons.
In the past, stimulus aid has been authorized during recessions, so if economic conditions worsen, a bipartisan bill may be passed to provide additional financial assistance. However, this would not be a COVID-19-related payment; rather, it would be intended to stimulate a sluggish economy if lawmakers believe this additional assistance is required to keep the economy afloat.
