The slow resolution of the presidential election, and the growing chance that Democrats and Republicans will divide power in Washington, D.C., next year, has revived lawmaker interest in reaching an agreement on a new economic rescue package before Christmas, the New York Times reported. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Wednesday that reaching a deal on a stimulus bill would be “Job 1” when lawmakers return for the lame-duck congressional session after the elections. It is possible that some type of stimulus package could be attached to a bill that would fund the federal government past Dec. 11 — legislation that will be necessary to avoid a government shutdown. The chance of a stimulus deal may be rising, but it is unlikely to result in as large a package as Democrats and President Trump were discussing before the election. Democratic leaders, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif.), had been talking with the White House about a nearly $2 trillion package that would include direct payments to households, loans for small businesses, and money for schools and state and local governments, as well as expanded coronavirus testing. Senate Republicans were pushing a bill that would have cost well under $1 trillion, possibly as little as $500 billion. Whether a stimulus package becomes reality will depend on several variables, including whether Mr. Trump, whose re-election prospects are fading, is willing to sign a bill. The stakes of the negotiations are also expected to remain murky until it becomes clear which party will control the Senate.
