McConnell urges White House, Democrats to restart coronavirus relief negotiations
Congress did not pass an aid package last month before the expiration of the $600 per week enhanced federal unemployment benefit and a moratorium on evictions from housing backed by the U.S. government. Democrats and Republicans stand far apart on how much they want to spend to combat the pandemic.
They have failed to make much progress in resolving issues including jobless benefits, aid for state and local governments, money to reopen schools and funding for the U.S. Postal Service during a year when Americans will vote by mail in record numbers.
After legislative talks fell apart, President Donald Trump took constitutionally questionable executive actions to extend certain relief provisions. His orders would extend extra unemployment payments at a level of at least $300 per week, encourage eviction protections, continue student loan assistance during the pandemic and create a payroll tax holiday.
But the moves could face legal challenges, as Congress has to authorize federal funding. States have also questioned how realistic the unemployment policy is, as many states have outdated jobless benefit systems and face budget crunches.
Democrats have proposed a more than $3 trillion relief package, while Republicans have put forward legislation of roughly $1 trillion. Pelosi and Schumer have said Mnuchin and Meadows rejected offers to meet in the middle on the price tag.
Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday, Schumer criticized Trump for issuing “a bunch of weak and unworkable executive orders” rather than joining in talks himself.
He also targeted the multiple Republican senators who have opposed any additional coronavirus relief. He pointed to Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who said, “I hope the talks remain broken down.”
“They’re glad the negotiations are broken down. We are not,” Schumer said.
Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/11/coronavirus-stimulus-updates-mcconnell-calls-to-restart-relief-talks.html