Knock me over with a feather.
Leaders of both parties in Congress look to be near a deal on a $900 billion coronavirus stimulus/relief package with passage possible by the end of the week, the Washington Post is reporting this morning.
The deal includes another round of direct checks to individuals–likely $600, which is smaller than the previous $1,200 stimulus checks–and a $300 a week boost to weekly unemployment benefits–again smaller than the recently expired $600 a week boost.
The deal, according to the Post, excludes aid to cities and states and any liability shield for companies from coronavirus lawsuits.
Still under discussion are ways to add money to the bill to be used in distributing coronavirus vaccines.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Wednesday morning that “the finish line is in sight.” “We Democrats would have liked to go considerably further, but this won’t be the last time Congress speaks on covid relief,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also sited “significant progress” in yesterday’s talks.
The deadlines are rather pressing. Lawmakers must reach an agreement on legislation with broad bipartisan support if they are to quickly approve a bill. They also face a Friday night deadline to pass new funding authorization to avoid a government shutdown on Saturday.
