Update with Senator Richard Blumenthal 9 29 20
Topics of discussion:
Justice Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The Affordable Care Act and those covered with pre-existing conditions. A Second Stimulus IS possible before lawmakers recess in October. The first presidential debate tonight and more.
In late March, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and soon after, as part of that package, millions of Americans receiveda stimulus check for $1,200. However since then, even though the pandemic rages on, there haven't been any more stimulus checks. In May, the House of Representatives passedthe Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, but the Senate balked at its three-trillion dollar price tag and shot it down. The Republican-led chamber then worked with Democrats on a comprise,but haven't been able to reach one. Now though, the tide may be turning.
Appearing on CNN'sState of the Unionon Sunday, House SpeakerNancy Pelosisaid, "I think we have a chance to get something done." After hitting the stalemate over the size of the bill, Treasury SecretarySteve Mnuchinsaid late last weekthat he and Pelosi worked some things out and plan to "continue to have discussions." Meanwhile, the Speaker noted, "When I have a conversation with the administration it is in good faith. I trust Secretary Mnuchin to represent something that can reach a solution and I believe we can come to an agreement."
Pelosi reportedly cut down parts of the original HEROES Act, bringing its cost to $2.4 trillion, stating that while she doesn't feel Democrats should be the only ones to compromise, she'd prefer to get a deal done with Republicans. She explained, "I'm hoping for a deal. I'd rather have a deal which puts money into people’s pockets," adding that the funding for state and local governments in the act is necessary to keep first responders from losing their jobs.
If things go well, a deal could be done before lawmakers go home for their October recess, which means Americans might get their second stimulus check before Halloween.
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