Pelosi believes coronavirus stimulus deal still possible as Democrats prepare new package

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said another coronavirus stimulus plan is possible as House Democrats try to forge ahead on a smaller aid package costing about $2.4 trillion, roughly $1 trillion less than their initial proposal but more than what the Trump administration has signaled it will accept. 

Stimulus negotiations between House Democrats and the Trump administration fell apart in early August, though Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he and Pelosi have agreed to restart talks. 

The chamber could vote on the bill as soon as next week. The legislation will include unemployment benefits, direct payments to Americans, Paycheck Protection Program small business loans and aid for airlines.

Pelosi, facing growing pressure from moderate Democrats, has tried to convince Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to increase the administration’s $1.3 trillion offer by an additional $1 trillion. However, Mnuchin signaled earlier this month that the administration would not approve a plan that was larger than $1.5 trillion. 

“When I have a conversation with the administration, it is in good faith. I trust Secretary Mnuchin to represent something that can reach a solution, and I believe we can come to an agreement,” Pelosi said in an interview on CNN. 

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/27/pelosi-believes-coronavirus-relief-deal-still-possible.html