It’s been almost three months since negotiations started on the next stimulus package. However, the lawmakers haven’t reached a consensus yet. The reason for no stimulus deal and coronavirus stimulus checks despite several offers, is clearly political. This is what has been frustrating many, including many Democrats.
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Andrew Yang, the former Democratic presidential candidate, said he is “beyond disappointed” that the Congress hasn’t yet passed the next relief package, including the coronavirus stimulus checks.
“It’s infuriating that so many Americans are hurting and we’re still waiting on a relief bill that should have been passed months ago,” the tech entrepreneur told CNN.
The comment from Yang, who supports giving every American $1,000 a month, comes at a time when negotiations are back on the table. The deal, however, looks unlikely. President Donald Trump recently made an offer of $1.8 trillion, but it was rejected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi, who called Trump’s offer inadequate, is demanding $2.2 trillion for the next relief package. In a letter to fellow Democrats, Pelosi said the offer from Trump is “one step forward, two steps back.”
Yang, however, blames Pelosi for no deal, saying she should “put politics aside” and take Trump’s offer. “Instead they’re grandstanding and playing politics while people are hurting,” he said.
Yang is not the only top Democrat asking for the relief package before the November election. Congressman Ro Khanna notes that the $1.8 trillion offer was “significant” and could give Joe Biden some support to start if he wins the November election.
“People in need can’t wait until February. 1.8 trillion is significant & more than twice Obama stimulus… Make a deal & put the ball in McConnell court,” Khanna said in a tweet.
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Other Democrats are frustrated with Trump and Republicans as they are focusing on filling the vacant Supreme Court seat rather than continuing with the relief package negotiations.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said the Republicans should work in a “bipartisan way” to reach a consensus on the next relief package to help out “people who are struggling right now.” Later, in a tweet, Booker called out Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Trump of using Barrett’s confirmation as a tool to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar also pointed out that Republicans are focusing on “jamming through their nominee” than helping the country. “America, today you can see clearly the misplaced priorities of the Republicans. And it’s in your hands to change it. VOTE,” Klobuchar said.
Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation is likely to come next week. This would leave very little time for the lawmakers to negotiate and approve the next relief package before the November election. McConnell has already told that a stimulus deal before the election is very unlikely.
