After months of stalemate, Congress is finally nearing a consensus on the coronavirus relief package. In a big relief for Americans, the coronavirus stimulus checks are now reportedly back in the negotiations, but aid to state and local governments is out.
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A report from CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, said the stimulus package could be close to $900 billion. Earlier it was reported that stimulus checks wouldn’t be part of the stimulus package. Now, as per the report, stimulus checks are part of the package, although of a lesser amount.
Americans got stimulus checks of $1,200 under the CARES Act, which was passed in March. Since the start of negotiations, both sides agreed on giving $1,200 in stimulus checks, but the idea of stimulus checks was dropped in post-election proposals.
Now, the stimulus checks are back in, but the amount is expected to be about $600 per person. However, the package now doesn’t include aid to state and local governments, which was a priority for Democrats. Also, the package may not include liability protection, which was a priority for Republicans.
There are reports that Sens. Bernie Sanders and Joe Manchin got into a heated exchange over the amount for stimulus checks. Sanders was in favor of a higher amount for stimulus checks. Manchin, on the other hand, argued for a lower amount, wanting more funds for unemployment benefits.
Along with the stimulus checks, the package could also include $300 a week in unemployment benefits. Further, the package is also expected to offer up to $330 billion for small businesses, as well as funds for vaccine distribution.
When will Congress vote on the package?
The $900 billion bill in question is almost double what the Senate Republicans have been proposing, but is less than half of the $2.2 trillion package that Democrats wanted. Also, the two sides are still at odds over a few provisions.
One such sticking point reportedly is the push from Democrats for $90 billion in aid to states, which would be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Speaking to CNN, Senate Majority Whip John Thune told that if it is "simply a way of disguising money for state and local governments, it will have a lot of opposition."
As of now, it isn’t clear when Congress would be able to vote on the stimulus package. Also, it is unknown if the lawmakers would be able to combine this $900 relief package with the $1.4 trillion spending bill to keep the government running.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, suggested Wednesday that the vote could come this weekend. In such a case, there could a temporary government shutdown until legislation is passed. The government funding runs out Friday night. To avoid this, the lawmakers may pass an interim stop-gap measure.
On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters that they are "very close" to a deal.
