COVID Relief Bill May Be Approved Soon Says Mitch McConnell
Leaders in Washington are approaching what many hope will finally be an agreement on the long-awaited COVID relief package. Recent negotiations have added a second round of stimulus checks into the current proposal. Some Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), have stated they will not sign a bill which does not cover stimulus check payments for Americans suffering financially from the repercussions of the pandemic.
The bipartisan bill proposed earlier this week by a moderate group of lawmakers did not include a second $1200 stimulus check. As leaders strive to reach a compromise, they have agreed to try to include the one-time payment, which is projected to be $600-$700, with a $300 weekly supplement for those collecting unemployment.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) held a meeting on Tuesday which indicates potential progress toward reaching a consensus on both government funding and coronavirus economic relief.
As he left Capitol Hill following the meeting, Senator McConnell was hopeful, saying “We’re making significant progress.” Although he did not disclose relevant details, he did say he’s optimistic there would be “an understanding” between the bipartisan lawmakers soon. Senator Schumer also commented on the progress with a tone of optimism, expressing his hope of reaching “an agreement soon.”
Ann Sullivan is a contributing staff writer covering national and world news topics. She brings dedicated experience having written international and domestic news, blogs, and web content for over 20 years. She’s also a published poet and graphic designer with degrees in Business and Graphic Communications and has been a music distributor, music industry sponsorship sales director and band manager.