Demanding Bigger Stimulus Checks, Trump Stops Short Of Veto Pledge

The New York Times: Trump Calls Covid Relief Bill A 'Disgrace,' Demands Changes 
President Trump on Tuesday evening threatened to derail months of bipartisan work in Congress to deliver $900 billion in coronavirus relief to a country battered by the pandemic, demanding checks to Americans that are more than three times as much as those in the bill, which he called a “disgrace.” The president, who has been preoccupied with the baseless claim that the election was stolen from him, seized on congressional leaders’ decision to pass the relief bill by combining it with a broader spending plan to fund government operations and the military. That spending plan includes routine provisions like foreign aid and support for Washington institutions like the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian. (Broadwater and Rappeport, 12/22)

Politico: Trump Takes Aim At Covid Stimulus Bill, Raising Specter Of Veto
In a video tweeted by the president Tuesday evening, Trump delivered a four-minute speech listing his many grievances with the bill — which would send much-needed aid to Americans struggling amid the pandemic. Trump specifically criticized the relief package for including “wasteful spending” on issues unrelated to Covid-19, only providing $600 to individuals and families, and not giving enough emergency aid to small businesses. (Hooper, 12/22)

The Washington Post: Trump Calls On Congress To Approve $2,000 Stimulus Checks, Hinting He Might Not Sign Relief Bill Without Changes 
The video landed like a sonic boom in Washington. His own aides were stunned. Congressional aides were stunned. Stock market futures quickly slumped on the prospect that the economic aid could be in doubt. And the implications for what happens next could be severe. If he refuses to sign the bill, the government will shut down on Dec. 29. The $900 billion in emergency economic aid will be frozen, and the race for the two Senate seats in Georgia could also be upended. (Siegel, Dawsey and DeBonis, 12/22)

AP: Trump Threatens To Torpedo COVID Relief With New Demands
Trump did not specifically vow to veto the bill, and there may be enough support for the legislation in Congress to override him if he does. But if Trump were to upend the sprawling legislation, the consequences would be severe, including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses, and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution. In addition, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29. (Freking, Taylor and Mascaro, 12/23)

In related news about COVID relief —

CNN: Stimulus Bill Is Too Little, Too Late, Struggling Americans Say
Mallory Ware feels that Congress has abandoned her, her family and all struggling Americans amid the recession and worsening pandemic. The North Bergen, New Jersey, resident has had to take responsibility for most of her mother's $1,600 monthly mortgage to keep a roof over their heads, preventing her from paying back her student loans and saving for her future. (Luhby, 12/23)

Modern Healthcare: New White House Guidance Grants Audit Extension For COVID Relief Funds
Some healthcare providers—along with states, universities and other organizations—are getting an extra three months to audit their COVID-19 relief aid. The White House's Office of Management and Budget on Tuesday released guidance with instructions on how to audit money received under its COVID-19 relief distributions, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. The rules extend the audit deadline, as many had anticipated. Health systems that received Provider Relief Fund grants had held off on auditing that money while they waited for specific rules. (Bannow, 12/22)