Senate Rejects "Skinny" Coronavirus Relief Proposal
October 21, 2020
The Senate today rejected an effort by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to advance a scaled-back $500 billion coronavirus relief package. The move comes as White House officials and House Democrats continue their negotiations over a possible broader relief bill.
"Skinny" Relief Package
The "skinny" relief package included liability protection, unemployment benefits and funding for testing, contact tracing and vaccine development. Unlike the HEALS Act, the "skinny" relief package did not include funding for airports or a long list of other initiatives. The measure also did not include funding for tens of thousands of airline workers who were furloughed earlier this month.
Yesterday, the Senate failed to advance an even narrower bill that McConnell put forward that would have provided another round of funding for the Payroll Protection Program. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the proposal a "stunt" and pushed for the Democrat's $2.2 trillion HEREOS Act instead.
Pelosi and Mnuchin Negotiations
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continue their negotiations over a possible coronavirus relief package. Earlier today, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said he is "optimistic" about reaching an agreement.
Pelosi yesterday said she and Mnuchin are "on a path" to reaching an agreement. Despite the public optimism, it is unclear if the two sides will actually be able to resolve their differences anytime soon.
Meanwhile, McConnell has reportedly advised the White House not to reach a deal with House Democrats before the elections because it could interfere with his efforts to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
"Skinny" Relief Package
The "skinny" relief package included liability protection, unemployment benefits and funding for testing, contact tracing and vaccine development. Unlike the HEALS Act, the "skinny" relief package did not include funding for airports or a long list of other initiatives. The measure also did not include funding for tens of thousands of airline workers who were furloughed earlier this month.
Yesterday, the Senate failed to advance an even narrower bill that McConnell put forward that would have provided another round of funding for the Payroll Protection Program. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the proposal a "stunt" and pushed for the Democrat's $2.2 trillion HEREOS Act instead.
Pelosi and Mnuchin Negotiations
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continue their negotiations over a possible coronavirus relief package. Earlier today, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said he is "optimistic" about reaching an agreement.
Pelosi yesterday said she and Mnuchin are "on a path" to reaching an agreement. Despite the public optimism, it is unclear if the two sides will actually be able to resolve their differences anytime soon.
Meanwhile, McConnell has reportedly advised the White House not to reach a deal with House Democrats before the elections because it could interfere with his efforts to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
