Reports: Biden, Senate Democrats agree to stimulus payment limits

March 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden has reached a deal with Senate Democrats to impose greater income restrictions on which Americans will receive the next direct stimulus payment, according to news reports Wednesday.

NBC News, The Washington Post and Bloomberg reported that the deal will grant full $1,400 payments in Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to Americans earning up to $75,000 per year.

Gradually reduced payments will be given to additional Americans who earn up to $80,000.

Previously, those who earned up to $100,000 were eligible for a stimulus payment in Biden's plan.

Couples making up to $150,000 will get the full amount under the new deal and it will gradually phase out up to $160,000, as opposed to the previous $200,000 limit.

Biden has been under pressure from moderate Democrats like Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire to better target the relief to avoid giving payments to people who don't need it.

Democrats hold a slight majority in the Senate, meaning Biden's aid plan will require every Democratic vote if it gets no Republican support.

The House passed Biden's plan last weekend, but the lower chamber would have to vote again on the bill if any changes are made, like the income restrictions.