A bipartisan group of lawmakers released proposed COVID-19 relief legislation that may provide momentum for breaking a months-long impasse, by separating out coronavirus liability protections and state aid — the two most contentious and partisan items, Bloomberg News reported. After Republicans and Democrats failed to come to a consensus on a liability shield for employers, the group that has been working on a bipartisan compromise released two separate legislative proposals. One is for $748 billion and includes areas of accord like vaccine funding and aid to small businesses, and the other wraps the two most contentious items, including $160 billion for regional authorities. Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in that chamber and one of the negotiators, said that state and local aid and liability are both “critically” important but said that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should allow votes on the $748 billion consensus measure in coming days. He said the aid it contains is “desperately needed.” McConnell has for days said that the two biggest roadblocks should be set aside, with lawmakers proceeding with the remainder — which includes aid for small businesses, help for the unemployed, funding for vaccine distribution and rescue money for airlines and other transportation providers. If endorsed by Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a separate vote on the $748 billion in COVID-19 relief could offer the first bipartisan backing of both houses of Congress for a stimulus bill since the spring — after months of stalemate. Pelosi and Schumer have argued that the funding for states and localities is too important to allow consideration for a more targeted bill. The bipartisan group’s $748 billion package includes $300 billion for help to small businesses, including through the Paycheck Protection Program, $180 billion for additional unemployment insurance, $45 billion for transportation including airlines and $82 billion for education. Other provisions include $25 billion for housing assistance, $16 billion for vaccine distribution and testing, and $10 billion each for child care, the U.S. Postal Service and rural broadband. Also offered is $25 billion in emergency rental aid and an extension in a moratorium on evictions to Jan. 31. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have warned about the potential bankruptcy of smaller enterprises across the country without a renewal of the Paycheck Protection Program. Read more.
Click here to access the bill text of the Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020.
Click here for bill text of the Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020.
