Millions of Americans are suffering without a hint of symptoms from coronavirus. The economic impact of the pandemic is devastating to workers and businesses across the country. Today Congress could begin procedural votes on legislation to ease some of the financial pain. The Washington Post reports:
“The immediate fate of the rescue package — likely to become the most expensive fiscal stimulus in American history — could depend on a Sunday morning meeting of the top four congressional leaders. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) will join McConnell and Schumer, as well as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, to discuss the rescue bill.“
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) outlined three phases of the relief package on NBC’s Meet the Press:
Politico writes:
But Democrats are saying that there’s still major hurdles before they get to an agreement.
“According to a source familiar with the Republican text, there’s still no language preventing layoffs for companies that accept federal aid. The source also said the tentative proposal gives too much discretion to the Treasury Department on who gets funds and does not include strong enough provisions to prevent stock buy backs. In addition, funding for airline industries is a major sticking point.“