Pelosi, Schumer Endorse Negotiations on COVID-19 Relief, Back Off Push for Larger Bill

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are endorsing negotiations for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package.





J. Scott Applewhite/AP



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J. Scott Applewhite/AP



The Coronavirus Crisis
Bipartisan Group Pushes $908B COVID-19 Plan, But McConnell Crafts Bill Trump Will Sign

Both parties are under intense pressure to approve further relief as COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to surge across the country. Public health officials have warned the pandemic could worsen over the next several months, even as states begin to distribute the first rounds of a vaccine.

The legislation the top Democrats support includes $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits for 18 weeks, $288 billion in fresh funding for the Paycheck Protection small business loan program and $16 billion for testing and vaccine distribution. It also includes a temporary block on pandemic-related lawsuits to allow states to craft their own policies on legal liability.

Senate Republicans have offered their own, much smaller legislation — costing roughly over $500 billion. Their latest proposal includes $332.7 billion for small businesses, $105 billion for schools, and $31 billion for vaccine distribution, therapies and medical supplies. It does not include direct aid for states and local governments, a key priority for Democrats.

GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, asked about the top Democrats’ shift on the issue, said it was «definitely progress, it’s a move in the right direction, and I think hopefully it’ll be helpful in us getting a deal done.



The Coronavirus Crisis
Millions Face Bitter Winter If Congress Fails To Extend Relief Programs

McConnell has said he hopes to include some targeted relief in an upcoming spending bill that must be approved by Dec. 11. The GOP leader said Tuesday his goal is for Congress to pass something that has President Trump’s support.

«Waiting for next year is not an answer, McConnell said. «It will all likely come in one package.