‘It’s not enough’ — Pelosi wants more small business loans, direct payments and unemployment benefits
Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wants to see how effective the last rescue package is before passing another bill.
In pushing to extend pieces of the emergency legislation, Pelosi stressed the bipartisan support it received in Congress. The GOP-led Senate passed it unanimously, and the Democratic-controlled House approved it by voice vote.
Republicans have opposed some of Pelosi’s priorities for the coronavirus response, such as a national vote-by-mail requirement to make casting ballots safer during the crisis. She has also called for more grants to states fighting the crisis and tougher safety standards for Americans still required to go to work during the outbreak.
The unemployment insurance piece of the last stimulus package adds $600 per week in benefits to what qualified individuals normally receive from states. It lasts for four months, through July, and Pelosi hopes to extend it through September. It also covers some people not typically eligible for benefits such as independent contractors.
Some Republicans opposed the unemployment provisions, arguing they would deter Americans from working.
The flood of new jobless claims, roughly 10 million over a two-week period, has overwhelmed state systems.
Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/03/coronavirus-update-nancy-pelosi-talks-phase-four-bill.html