Congress was unable to reach an agreement Sunday on a $1 trillion-plus stimulus package that gives cash to families and keeps small businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, deepening fears of economic chaos as Rand Paul of Kentucky became the first U.S. senator to confirm he’s contracted the disease.
Democrats balked at the Senate GOP’s push to set aside $425 billion for loans to select companies and industries, dubbing it a “slush fund” for the Treasury to direct as it sees fit. They said the bill is tilted toward corporations instead of working people.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dared Democrats to reject the Senate measure in a procedural vote Sunday as tales of joblessness and woe poured in from every part of the nation.
“This national crisis is not going to wait around if Congress slips back into conventional politics or haggles endlessly over the finer points,” Mr. McConnell said.
“In other words — it is just about time to take ‘yes’ for an answer,” he said.
The measure failed to get the 60 votes it needed to advance or even a majority — 47-47 — and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her troops will go back to the drawing board and finish their own bill, hoping it is compatible with what the Senate wants.
Mr. McConnell was angry, saying Democrats continue to “dicker” in the face of a global emergency and need to step up and reach an agreement.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said the GOP knew about Democrats’ objections but went ahead, anyway. He said the corporate “bailouts” in the bill weren’t transparent, and that states and hospitals needed more help.
Read the rest of the story HERE and follow links below to related stories:
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