- Senator Debbie Stabenow, a fourth-ranked Democrat in the House of Lords, said a smaller aid package may be needed to support the economy during the winter months.
- “And it’s less about the total number, because even if there’s a short-term package for the coming months, until we get into the new Biden administration, we need to act now,” Senator Debbie Stabenow told CNBC.
- Congress has been at a standstill for months in mitigating the coronavirus.
- But some Democrats say a compromise may be needed to get federal aid out quickly, even if the aid package carries a lower price tag than they have long wanted.
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Senator Debbie Stabenow, a fourth-tier Democratic upper house, has urged immediate action on the economic aid package at a lame-duck session of Congress, even if it’s a minor measure to support people and businesses in the winter.
The Michigan Democrat says the talks are taking place on a “bipartisan basis” and has expressed concern that millions of Americans could risk losing unemployment benefits next month.
“For me, it’s about making sure there are no winners and losers – that whatever we do is all-encompassing,” Stabenow said in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday. “And it’s less about the whole number, because even if there is a short-term package for the coming months, until we get into the new Biden administration, we need to act now.”
Stabenow’s remarks reflect a growing call from Democrats to come up with a corona virus clearance package before Congress adjourns next month. Lawmakers are negotiating a dozen mandatory transfer accounts to fund most government agencies and avoid shutdowns. They must be approved by December 11th.
But the aid plan to support the economy has proved elusive and threatens to derail the volatile recovery, experts say. The rapid increase in viral cases has led to further restrictions and business closures in many parts of the country. Unemployment earnings have risen for the first time since October last week, and recruitment has slowed.
“I just hope we can reach an agreement. Maybe that’s not all everyone wants, but at least if we can get significant relief for people,” Steny Hoyer, the head of the majority of the house, told the CQ roster last week.
Congress has only eight days on its legislative calendar to conclude and approve an agreement.
Since the election, President-elect Joe Biden has embarked on negotiations on the fifth stimulus package. He called on lawmakers to approve a multi-million dollar plan advocated by Democrats. This includes, among other things, $ 600 in federal unemployment benefits, $ 1,200 in direct payments, and support for states in a cash situation.
But Republicans are firmly opposed to its price tag and many of its provisions. Instead, they are looking for a “leaner” plan that, along with funding for education and public health, will prioritize support for small businesses.
On Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer and Biden they repeated their calls for Congress to approve another relief plan before the end of the lame duck session.
