President Trump proposed a $916 billion stimulus package that would include a liability shield for employers, direct payments of at least $600 to most Americans, and aid to state and local governments.
This offer from the White House is a departure from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s package. Democrats previously rejected a smaller offer by McConnell that did not include liability shield, direct payments, and government funding.
McConnell argues that any package put forward should drop those items in favor of providing funding for vaccine distribution, health care providers, and small businesses. He thinks that those issues can wait until President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
With what seems to be some progress after months of a deadlock Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized McConnell for “trying to pull the rug out from beneath” negotiations and accused him of letting down front-line workers like firefighters and police officers.
A bipartisan group of Senators has been working on a $908 billion package that would include a makeshift liability shield with a less strict approach than what McConnell has supported as well as state and local government funding.
Congress is on track to approve a continuing resolution to provide funding for the government for one week past December 11 which would give more time for relief negotiations.
