Pelosi, Mnuchin speak about coronavirus stimulus again as stalemate drags on – CNBC

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While the overall cost of the Trump administration plan is similar to the price tag of the Democratic bill, major disputes remain unresolved. Democrats have proposed $436 billion in aid for state and local governments that could have to cut essential services as they face increased costs and lower revenue during the pandemic. Mnuchin offered $300 billion for states and municipalities.

Trump, who signed off on his administration’s proposal, again railed against state and local aid on Wednesday. He said he wants to “see the Democrats loosen up a little bit” because “all they want to do is bail out their badly run cities and states.”

The bipartisan National Governors Association has repeatedly asked Congress for $500 billion more in relief. Mnuchin on Wednesday noted that governments laying off employees like firefighters “would have a cost to the federal government in unemployment, but also a cost to the economy.”

The Democrats’ bill also reinstates the $600 per week enhanced federal unemployment insurance through January. The White House proposal would establish a $400 weekly benefit through the third week of January.

Pelosi has faced some pressure within her caucus to either address issues like unemployment insurance in a stand-alone bill or accept a smaller deal from the White House. In a tense interview on CNN on Tuesday night, the California Democrat said members who have criticized her strategy “have no idea about the particulars” of the talks.

Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, has seen criticism for the Senate’s decision to move forward with Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination as jobless Americans await relief. When he announced the Senate’s plans to vote on a limited bill after the chamber returns on Monday, he said lawmakers would have enough time to pass the aid legislation and confirm Barrett before the election.

A lack of new relief could also hurt vulnerable Republican incumbents as the GOP looks to hold its 53-47 Senate majority on Election Day.

Even if Pelosi and Mnuchin can reach an agreement that would earn Democratic votes and Trump’s signature, they could have a difficult time persuading the Senate GOP to support it.

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Source Article from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/14/coronavirus-stimulus-nancy-pelosi-steven-mnuchin-speak-about-relief-bill.html

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