But illustrating the election-year tensions at work as officials slog toward a bill, Pelosi took a shot at Republicans and their priorities. Asked why she could not work with the GOP by explaining that legislation would help people of color and other Americans who face structural barriers, Pelosi responded, “Perhaps you mistook [Republicans] for somebody who gives a damn.”
Democrats and the White House have apparently started to yield ground on issues including unemployment insurance and funding for the U.S. Postal Service. They still appear far from any consensus as millions of people face the prospect of slipping into poverty.
On Wednesday, Meadows said the sides “continue to be trillions of dollars apart” on legislation. Last week, the GOP proposed a roughly $1 trillion relief plan. Republicans took a more narrow approach than House Democrats, who passed a $3 trillion package in May.
McConnell met with Trump at the White House on Thursday morning, he told NBC News. He said they talked “a little bit about everything.”
Meadows has indicated the Trump administration could pull out of talks and try to address jobless benefits and the eviction moratorium by executive action if the sides fail to reach an agreement by Friday. Schumer insisted Wednesday that Democrats “are not walking away” from talks.
It is unclear what President Donald Trump can accomplish through unilateral action, as he needs Congress to approve funding for programs. Even so, Pelosi said she hopes Trump takes steps himself to stop evictions.
“He can extend the moratorium, and I hope that he does,” she said.
Source Article from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/06/coronavirus-stimulus-updates-mcconnell-thinks-dems-gop-will-reach-deal.html
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