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McAdams asks Treasury to send stimulus check to more Americans

Apr 1, 2020, 5:05 PM

On Wednesday, Congressman Ben McAdams called on the IRS and the Treasury Department to reconsider to whom they will send CAREs Act stimulus checks. Earlier in the week, the IRS indicated that anybody that didn't file a tax return will not receive the stimulus money.

BY SIMONE SEIKALY

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, says more Americans should receive a stimulus check under the CAREs Act than currently promised by the IRS.

Specifically, the West Jordan congressman means senior citizens and others who receive Social Security, but do not file an annual tax return with the Treasury Department.

Who gets the money?

On Monday, the Internal Revenue Service said stimulus checks would go out in the next three weeks, with a caveat. The IRS said that only those people who file tax returns will be eligible for the money.

“The IRS announcement that many seniors, disabled veterans, and Social Security beneficiaries are required to file a simplified tax return to receive the economic impact payments is government bureaucracy at its worst,” said McAdams in a statement.

“The CARES Act is designed to deliver immediate help to Americans, especially those such as vulnerable seniors,” McAdams said. “It is wrong for the IRS to create unnecessary hurdles for these individuals.

McAdams: stimulus should be for all

On March 27, the House of Representatives passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act by a voice vote and President Trump signed the bill into law. It modified earlier versions of the same act. Lawmakers intended the CAREs Act to help ease the economic fallout accompanying the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

McAdams questioned the IRS’ decision to require a tax return to get stimulus funds. He said that the agency can and should coordinate with the Social Security Administration to assure correct and prompt payment.

“I call on these government agencies to work together to uphold the intent of the CARES Act,” McAdams said, “by getting the economic impact checks out immediately without imposing unnecessary requirements.”

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