US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Wednesday that though she was hopeful about reaching a deal with Republicans regarding COVID-19 relief, it was unlikely that such an agreement would be struck before the presidential election next month. Earlier in the day, Senate Democrats blocked a GOP coronavirus stimulus bill worth $500 billion. The measure failed in a 51- 44, falling short of the 60 votes needed.
COVID-19 aid has been caught in between Democrat and Republican disagreements for months now, as the pandemic rages across the nation, leaving thousands of Americans struggling to afford food, housing, and keep their businesses afloat. The two sides have blamed each other for the delay, with Democrats accusing the Republicans of failing to recognize the true magnitude of the crisis, which is only exacerbated by President Trump’s continued dismissal of the severity of the disease, and his consistent vilification of public health experts, most notably Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the nation’s leading infectious disease expert.
Meanwhile, Republicans claim that Democrats are obstructing aid by demanding an expensive wish list with multiple provisions unrelated to the crisis. The legislation that was brought before the Senate on Wednesday included funds for a second Paycheck Protection Program loan for struggling small businesses, a $300 per week supplemental unemployment insurance benefit, and liability protections for businesses, among other provisions. However, it did not include another round of direct payments to people.
Pelosi and Treasury head Steve Mnuchin were scheduled to continue talks to hammer out the details of a comprehensive relief package of approximately $2.2 trillion on Wednesday afternoon. The White House has said that a bipartisan agreement would find enough votes to pass the Senate; however, it seems unlikely that Senate Republicans will agree to anything as high as $2 trillion. Citing concerns about an already rapidly expanding deficit, they have proposed smaller, targeted aid, which Democrats have labeled “partisan” and “emaciated”.
Furthermore, no deal can become law without Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s blessing, and he has reportedly warned the White House against striking an agreement with the Democrats before the election as it could divide the GOP, hurt Republican senators running for re-election in conservative states, and also hamper the party’s efforts to confirm Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.
US COVID-19 Relief Bill Unlikely to be Passed Before November Election
COVID-19 aid has been caught in between Democrat and Republican disagreements for months now, with both sides blaming each other for the delay.
October 22, 2020
SOURCE: POLITICO