US lawmakers are back to square one with respect to the passage of the most recent $900 billion pandemic stimulus package.
CNN reports the House of Representatives on Thursday failed to secure an increase of direct payments to Americans from $600 to $2,000.
The attempt was a response to one of President Donald Trump's surprise demands he made in a tweeted video late on Tuesday.
House Democrats tried to quickly pass the bill by a unanimous consent request Thursday morning, but Republicans rejected the move.
GOP lawmakers are now in a difficult spot where they will be forced to decide whether or not they will defy the President.