DEMOCRATS in the House of Representatives – joined by some Republicans – on Monday passed a a measure increasing COVID-19 relief bill payments. Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House (Wikipedia photo).

The U.S. House of Representatives approved an increase for COVID-19 relief checks from $600 to $2000 per person on Monday, setting up a unique contest. Democrats – who have the majority in the House – were joined by some Republicans on a 275-134 vote on the stimulus and relief bill. The original version, with the smaller amount, had been the result of a bipartisan compromise and was passed by both houses.

But President Donald Trump unexpectedly expressed opposition, calling for a $2000 benefit.  He did eventually sign the bill, but Democrats went back and proposed a change to increase the checks many Americans – mostly those earning under $75,000  – would receive.

The bill now goes to the Senate where the Republicans have a slim majority. Most Republicans were opposed to the higher amount, but some may be reluctant to go against the president, who is popular with the GOP rank and file. The Senate may vote on Tuesday.

News: “Nashville is never going to forget me”

• The man believed to have set off the explosion in a Nashville neighborhood on Christmas Day remarked to a neighbor that on that holiday, “Nashville and the world is never going to forget me,” according the Associated Press. The suspect is Anthony Quinn Warner, 63. The explosion killed him, injured four others and damaged “dozens of buildings.”
• The House of Representatives voted Monday to override President Donald Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. The president objected to the typically non-controversial bill because of its provision of removing Confederate names, symbols and displays from federal military facilities, and not including wording to deny certain legal protections enjoyed by social media companies, according to USA Today.

Sports: Lakers host the Portland Trailblazers

The Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) will go for their third straight win tonight (Monday) when they host the Portland Trailblazers (1-1) at 7 p.m. We will have the results tonight.

In other sports news: Dwayne Haskins, starting quarterback of the NFL’s Washington Football Team, has been released from the team at the urging of head coach Ron Rivera. Stepping into the starting role will likely be Taylor Heinicke or veteran Alex Smith. The WFT is 6-9 and could clinch a playoff spot with a win this coming Sunday. Haskins had three turnovers in a 20-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers.