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President Trump sends COVID-19 spending package back to Congress, calling it a 'disgrace.' He wants more for Americans, small businesses
President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted the COVID-19 relief package that was rushed through Congress the night before, calling it a "disgrace" and saying he wants to see more money going to individuals and small businesses impacted by the virus and less in "wasteful spending."
He also suggested he may not sign it.
The $900 billion coronavirus relief was rolled in as part of a catch-all spending package totaling $2.3 trillion that covered lawmakers' unfinished business — but exposed priorities of Congress that caught the eye of the American public.
What are the details?
In an address to the nation, the president decried the Democrats' refusal to agree to larger deals on COVID-19 relief that would have delivered more direct assistance to Americans than what was passed following the general election.
"It really is a disgrace," Trump said of the package that overwhelmingly passed in the Democrat-led House and Republican-controlled Senate. "For example, among the more than 5,000 pages in this bill — which nobody in Congress has read because of its length and complexity — it's called the COVID relief bill, but it has almost nothing to do with COVID."
The president went on to name a long list of what was included in the omnibus bill that added another $1 trillion to the national debt, such as "$25 million for democracy and gender programs in Afghanistan," and "$40 million to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which is not even open for business."
Trump went to say, "Despite all of this wasteful spending and much more, the $900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $600 each in relief payments, and not enough money is given to small businesses and, in particular, restaurants — whose owners have suffered so grievously — they were only given a deduction for others to use."
"Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists, and special interests, while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it," he continued. "It wasn't their fault. It was China's fault. Not their fault."
"I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple," the president said. "I am also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package — and maybe that administration will be me. And we will get it done."
https://t.co/v9Rdjz6DNu— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1608682531.0
Bipartisan group of lawmakers present $908 billion coronavirus relief bill
A group of bipartisan legislators including members from both the House and Senate unveiled a $908 billion coronavirus relief bill on Tuesday in hopes of ending the months-long gridlock between Democratic and Republican leadership in reaching a deal the White House would also sign off on.
What are the details?
NBC News reported that the proposal "is designed to include elements that will satisfy both parties," but "it doesn't include some popular provisions, like another round of direct payments to families." It does include $180 to renew unemployment benefits, and $288 billion in support for small businesses.
But it also includes $160 million for state and local governments, which President Donald Trump has rejected in the past as a bail-out for blue states and cities that carried huge deficits prior to the crisis. In a nod to Republicans, the legislation would provide liability protections for businesses against COVID-19-related lawsuits in the "short-term," which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has cited as a priority.
The Democrats in the group include Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Mark Warner (Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), and Maggie Hassan (N.H.), along with Reps. Abigail Spanberger (Va.), Dean Phillips (Minn.), and Josh Gottheimer (N.J.).
The Republicans involved are Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Bill Cassidy (La.), and Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), Fred Upton (Mich.), Dusty Johnson (S.D.), and Tom Reed (N.Y.). The proposal is being presented in the Senate.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have been in negotiations for months to reach a deal between Democrats and the White House, and the two spoke again on Tuesday. While all parties agree that relief is urgently needed, Democrats and Republicans have been far apart on priorities and price tags.
Senate Democrats have twice shot down a $500 billion COVID-19 relief bill offered by McConnell, and House Democrats have passed a $2.2 trillion package that is seen as a non-starter in the GOP-led upper chamber.
Also on Tuesday, McConnell offered a new proposal of his own, telling reporters at his weekly presser that he had spoken with Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on presenting a bill palatable to President Trump, according to the Hill.
The Senate majority leader did not directly address the $908 billion bill presented by the bipartisan coalition, but explained, "We just don't have time to waste time. We have a couple weeks left here. Obviously, it does require bipartisan support to get out of Congress, but it requires a presidential signature."
Sen. Romney, who has often been publicly at odds with the president, said Tuesday that the bipartisan group has been in contact with Mnuchin about their plan, but noted, "I don't have any prediction on how the White House would react." He added, "Covid has created a crisis. And in crisis the people expect Congress to act."
Trump scraps talks with Democrats on COVID-19 relief bill until after the election
President Donald Trump instructed administration officials on Tuesday to end talks with Democrats on another coronavirus stimulus bill until after the election, saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was asking for too much funding and "not negotiating in good faith."
What are the details?
"Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to COVID-19," Trump tweeted. "We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith."
"I am rejecting their request, and looking to the future of our Country," he continued. "I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business."
The Hill noted that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows have been in talks with Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) "since late July on a fifth bipartisan coronavirus relief package but have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement."
Last week, House Democrats passed a $2.2 trillion relief package viewed as "largely symbolic," given that it did not garner a single affirmative Republican vote.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said at the time that negotiations with the Trump administration for another stimulus were still ongoing, and that Democrats "believe this bill is a reasonable compromise." House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the legislation a "liberal wish list."
But Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, confirmed on Twitter that the talks are now over, writing, "Speaker Pelosi & Secretary Mnuchin spoke briefly at 3:30 p.m. by phone. The Secretary confirmed that the President has walked away from COVID talks. The Speaker expressed her disappointment in the President's decision to abandon the economic & health needs of the American people."
Speaker Pelosi & Secretary Mnuchin spoke briefly at 3:30 p.m. by phone. The Secretary confirmed that the President… https://t.co/Exalepm9fM— Drew Hammill (@Drew Hammill)1602015361.0
Trump also tweeted that he asked Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) "not to delay, but to instead focus full time on approving my outstanding nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett."
When asked by CNN whether he agreed with the president's decision, McConnell replied, "I do. I think his view is that they were not going to produce a result and we need to concentrate on what's achievable."
House Dems pass 'largely symbolic' COVID-19 relief bill after talks with White House break down
The Democratic-held House of Representatives passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package on Thursday, which has been described as "largely symbolic" considering not a single Republican voted for the bill following failed talks with the White House on a bipartisan plan.
What are the details?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnunchin have restarted negotiations in recent days to reach a plan that the two sides have been battling over since early August, Bloomberg reported.
After failing to reach an agreement following talks this week, Democrats passed their own version of a stimulus plan that Roll Call referred to as "a largely symbolic expression of frustration."
According to The Washington Examiner, the legislation was pushed through ahead of Democrats "hitting the campaign trail" before the November 3rd election.
The outlet noted:
The $2.2 trillion measure stands little chance of ever becoming law. Senate Republicans have already indicated they won't consider the bill, and it is far more costly than a White House offer of roughly $1.6 trillion.
The House measure passed 214-207, with no Republicans voting for the package and 18 Democrats bucking their party and rejecting it.
But top Democrats promised that discussions for a bipartisan deal would continue regardless of the passage of their version of the relief package.
"I thought it was really important to formally put forth the work of our chairs, which is excellent and which meets the needs," Pelosi reasoned, saying, "It sets an example."
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) insisted, "Negotiations are ongoing right now, and I hope we will reach a bipartisan agreement. We also want to let the American people know where we stand. We believe this bill is a reasonable compromise."
Earlier in the day on Thursday, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the legislation a "liberal wish list."
He also tweeted out a video of his speech on the floor of the lower chamber in opposition of bill, saying, "Pay attention to who votes for this bill tonight—It would hand out taxpayer-funded checks to illegal immigrants while removing $600 million in funding for law enforcement."
McCarthy added, "Speaker Pelosi and the Democrats aren't serious about helping Americans."
Pay attention to who votes for this bill tonight—It would hand out taxpayer-funded checks to illegal immigrants whi… https://t.co/qWifzur6Q0— Kevin McCarthy (@Kevin McCarthy)1601592360.0
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