A bipartisan compromise on coronavirus relief is closer than ever. What took so long and how are congressional leaders defending a months-long stalemate?
Summary
After months of gridlock, Congress appears to be inching toward another coronavirus relief bill as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer endorse a $900 billion plan as a starting point for negotiations.
- While Pelosi said there is “momentum” to complete a COVID aid package by the end of the year, Politico reports that hurdles, like funding the government past December 11th, remain.
- The pared-back bipartisan plan being used as a starting point includes increased unemployment benefits and additional aide for state and local governments.
- The bill does not include stimulus payments like the $1,200 checks Americans received from the CARES Act earlier this year.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Congressional efforts for a bipartisan relief bill as November’s job report on Friday showed job growth decelerating.
- Speaker Pelosi said there is a possibility of government funding legislation and coronavirus relief being combined.
- President-elect Joe Biden endorsed the legislation, which Pelosi said must be done before Congress recesses for the year.
- The New York Times sounded the alarm on “liberal Democrats” believing the compromise to be “woefully inadequate.”
- Greg Sargent writes in an opinion piece that bipartisan cooperation now may be a result of budget shortfalls in Republican-controlled state, disingenuously placing the blame of gridlock squarely on Senator Mitch McConnell.
- NPR notes both sides have come off their original positions that have led to a months-long stalemate, emphasizing neither side is getting everything they want.
- Fox News’ reporting frames the developments as Pelosi on defense and having to explain her sudden reversal on a bill much smaller than her original legislation.
- Similarly, National Review reports on Pelosi’s comments that the only thing that changed is Biden’s election victory.
- The Federalist laid into Speaker Pelosi for her change of heart, saying “she let millions suffer for one reason….to help Joe Biden win the election.”
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© Dallas Gerber, 2020
