Status of Stimulus Negotiations
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/10/19/second-stimulus-package-update-negotiations-check-election/
It looks as if Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Mnuchin are negotiating down to the wire; that may be tomorrow. It’s very hard to know what the hang-ups are: the details of testing and tracing seem to be one point of disagreement, and the size of the assistance to state and local governments seems to be another; the tax credits for child care and the EITC are also mentioned.
As layoffs grow, and Covid cases rise across the nation, and the economic recovery slows, the pressure for a deal mounts. Trump clearly believes this will lift his staggering campaign although that’s doubtful since I think the American people are likely just sick and tired of him, even some of his supporters in Congress are expressing their disgust and dismay.
The best deal that Democrats will get from Trump is now before the election. If he loses (or wins), he’ll have no further incentives to negotiate.
The Senate Republicans are stuck with a very poor and inadequate package which they all support, or the best deal that Pelosi and Mnuchin can negotiate, which may be way beyond the price range they are comfortable with.
Personally, I want the negotiations to bear fruit as I think the consequences are too dire for the American people if we put this off ‘til after the inauguration in late January.
Lucien Wulsin
October 19, 2020