FACTS
A group of 50 moderate members of the House of Representatives is scheduled Tuesday to present a bipartisan $1.5 trillion stimulus plan. It is said that the move, made by the Problem Solvers Caucus, is a “last-ditch attempt to broach a compromise in hopes of breaking a stalemate in stimulus talks before November’s elections.” After months of debate, House Republicans and Democrats have remained at a “partisan impasse.” The proposed plan contains measures such as continued Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses and another direct round of checks to taxpayers, both of which have bipartisan support. However, it lands in middle ground as far as continued unemployment benefits and federal relief for states.
LEFT
The New York Times stated that the Problem Solvers Caucus “has few significant policy achievements to its name” but noted regarding the proposal:
“Though the price tag falls well below that of the $2.2 trillion stimulus law Congress unanimously passed in March, or House Democrats’ $3.4 trillion bill, its effects would be far-reaching.”
Nicholas Fandos and Emily Cochrane, reporters for The New York Times
However, it was added that the proposal is unlikely to go through. Politico’s Sarah Ferris agreed, writing it is “likely to meet sharp resistance in the Senate, where Republicans are expected to balk at the price tag.” Rep. Josh Gottheimer, co-chairman of the caucus, (D-NJ) said in an interview with CNBC that the caucus decided to focus on short-term needs, stating, “We can’t afford to do nothing until the next inauguration.”
RIGHT
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who neither gave his support for nor criticized the proposal, “suggested Pelosi didn’t want a deal because it would hurt President Donald Trump’s reelection prospects.” He added, “I know her dislike for this presidency, but we should put the country first.” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, a Republican, stated, “Now is not the time to worry about shrinking the deficit or shrinking the Fed balance sheet” amid an unprecedented pandemic, but other party members disagree:
“The majority of Republicans are now no different than socialist Democrats when it comes to debt. They simply don’t care about debt and are preparing to add at least another trillion dollars in debt this month, combined with the trillions from earlier this summer.”
Rand Paul, Kentucky State Senator
Every Senate Democrat just voted against hundreds of billions of dollars of COVID-19 relief. They blocked money for schools, testing, vaccines, unemployment insurance, and the Paycheck Protection Program.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) September 10, 2020
Their goal is clear: No help for American families before the election.
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