There's No Reason Another Stimulus Package Should Be Delayed, McConnell Says
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell said that there is no reason that another round of stimulus package will not be passed before the year ends.
Millions of Americans are still hoping that another round of stimulus package will be passed before the year ends.
As the number of COVID-19 infections and the death toll in the country rise, more people from different groups are calling for another relief package.
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have been playing significant roles in the stimulus negotiations.
However, both top negotiators could not come up with a relief package that has strong bipartisan support.
Next round of stimulus package may be approved next year
McConnell is not putting pressure on Pelosi and said on Monday that there was no reason that another stimulus package will not be passed before the year ends, reported by Fox News. He also urged Congress to pass the bill to extend help to millions of Americans who are struggling amid the pandemic.
Both the House of Senate and Congress are running out of time. They only have weeks left either to reach an agreement or to pass a stimulus bill. Sen. McConnell called on lawmakers to finalize the package before Congress adjourns on Dec. 21.
If lawmakers could not come up with a comprehensive stimulus bill before both chambers adjourn, it might be possible that another round of relief package will be approved in the early months of the upcoming administration.
However, it will also be difficult for both houses because of their disagreements on the total amount of the package.
Read also: Federal Reserve Chairman Urges Lawmakers to Pass Stimulus Package
Pelosi yet to make up her mind regarding stimulus talks
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi along with other Democratic lawmakers wanted to have around a $2 trillion stimulus package.
On the other hand, McConnell and other Republican lawmakers are pushing for a skinny bill but targeting the measures that must be addressed first.
McConnell wrote on his Twitter account, "The American people need more help now. Congress should deliver more COVID relief this year. Even House and Senate Democrats are publicly saying that Speaker Pelosi's and Leader Schumer's all-or-nothing obstruction needs to stop."
In a follow-up post, McConnell said that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer have faced pushback within their own party regarding stimulus negotiations.
Tension emerged before the election within the Democratic party over a new stimulus package.
It can also be recounted that the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of lawmakers equally coming from Republican and Democratic Parties, emerged and passed their version of the stimulus package. Unfortunately, Pelosi lambasted the package and described it as a cheap deal.
It is not only McConnell who is calling for another bill but also the Federal Reserve Officials. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has been asking Congress to pass the stimulus not only for the Americans but also to help the national economy of the country.
The new bill is expected to include Paycheck Protection Program for businesses, $1,200 stimulus checks, state and local funding, and more. These are just a few of the measures that must be included in the relief package.
Read also: Powell To Push Congress for Stimulus Aid Before Election