The US Senate gaveled out of session in the early morning hours of Wednesday, announcing what Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called “largest rescue package in American history” was finally ready.
Senate leaders and the Trump administration reached agreement early Wednesday on a $2 trillion stimulus package to rescue the economy from the coronavirus assault, setting the stage for swift passage of the massive legislation through both chambers of Congress.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced the breakthrough on the Senate floor around 1:30 a.m., after a long day of talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other administration officials.
“At last we have a deal,” McConnell said. “After days of intense discussion, the Senate has reached a bipartisan agreement on a historic relief package for this pandemic. … I’m thrilled that we’re finally going to deliver for the country that has been waiting for us to step up.”
“Help is on the way, big help and quick help,” Schumer said. “We’re going to take up and pass this package to care for those who are now caring for us, and help carry millions of Americans through these dark economic times.”
The agreement capped five straight days of intensive negotiations that occasionally descended into partisan warfare as the nation’s economy reeled from the deadly pandemic, with schools and businesses closed, mass layoffs slamming the workforce and tens of thousands falling ill.
The legislation, unprecedented in its size and scope, aims to flood the economy with capital by sending $1,200 checks to many Americans, creating a $367 billion loan program for small businesses and setting up a $500 billion fund for industries, cities and states.
Other provisions include a massive boost to unemployment insurance, $150 billion for state and local stimulus funds and $130 billion for hospitals.
McConnell said the Senate would pass the legislation later Wednesday. With the House out of session, action there could take longer, depending on whether lawmakers can agree to pass the bill by “unanimous consent,” which would require agreement from all members of the chamber.
I find myself relieved it’s not $6 Trillion.Report
Funny how they can do other things besides ram through judicial confirmations when someone holds a gun to their head. And cooperate across the aisle. Wish it would stay that way after.Report
Looking at my criteria from the previous thread I’d classify this as a moderate Democratic success: they basically got all the things they realistically sought included in the bill. There’s more money for states, more money for safety nets and -Congressional- oversight of the 500 billion bailout fund.
I’m also struck by how the Dems cooperated on this rather than trying to pull a 2008 play from the Republican playbook and jam everything to try and create a worst case scenario for Trump this November. On one hand, yay, a patriotic minded functional party instead of a decaying ideological rump! On the other hand, um they did have congress and absolutely had to take responsibility for it whereas in 2008 the GOP was in the minority everywhere and thus had the luxury of total opposition secure in the knowledge that the Dems would clean the shit up without them.
But over all, a good day for congress and the country.Report
Apparently Republicans gotta Republican and delay the deal because OMG too many unemployment benefits and incorrect fears that people will quit their jobs to reap those sweet unemployment benefits.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/world/coronavirus-news-live.html?action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=HomepageReport
creating a $367 billion loan program for small businesses
So, no grants or bailouts to small businesses, just access to loans? That seems like a pretty big oversight… One time payments of $1200 doesn’t seem sufficient for most people who actually *need* the money. Glad they passed it though.Report