The bipartisan senators’ panel has released the full legislative text for the two-part stimulus plan: a $ 748 billion package focusing on parts of the agreement and a separate $ 160 billion bill that includes the most controversial provisions – additional funding and liability protections for state and local government.
Why this is important: While many lawmakers see the bill as the most realistic and firm compromise on corona virus relief we have seen in months, the House and Senate leadership now see it as a sign of broader negotiations – not the final vehicle for assistance.
Underline: Congress has until the weekend to pass an agreement on an incentive bill that could be tied to long-term spending legislation, so House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Gu.) Must move.
details: The 88 748 billion edition billion bill includes all the key priorities that both parties want to see in the relief package – improved unemployment benefits, the expansion of the small business pay protection program, more money for education and the distribution of vaccines and funding for the corona virus test.
- But – like McConnell’s proposal – The bill does not include areas where the parties are far apart in an effort to ensure that at least some of the packages can be passed.
- On the contrary, Congress has the option To vote on those issues – Democrats’ demand for additional assistance to state and local government and the drive for Republican (temporary) accountability – in a separate, $ 160 billion bill.
- Critics of this approach The slim version claims that it defeats the purpose of negotiations, making it very difficult to enact competitive legislation when it is not bound by controversial terms.
No plans: Trigger Checks – Something Sense. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) And Josh Howley (R-Mo.) Are demanding to be included in the final set.
What they say: “There are a lot of gangs who don’t make it to the final product, but we did. We’ll take it to the finish line,” Senator Mark Warner (D-W.), The group’s leading figure, said Monday.
- “It’s like Scrooge leaving everyone to lose their job or their home.”
- “We’re the only game in town,” Sen said. Joe Munchin (DWV) said. “It’s about need, not greed.”
Read the $ 748 billion bill
Read the $ 160 billion bill