White House opposes Democrats' demands for more funds in 'interim' aid package
Democratic leaders on Wednesday released their own set of demands for an “interim” coronavirus relief package poised to move through Congress this week, setting up a clash with congressional Republicans that threatens to stall the next installment of relief for the economy.
And by Wednesday afternoon, White House officials privately signaled opposition to Democrats' efforts to add billions in funding for hospitals and state governments, sending the delicate bipartisan talks further into a tailspin.
The push from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) asking for $250 billion in aid for hospitals and state and local governments plus the $250 billion desired by the Trump administration and Senate Republicans shows that the quick GOP push may be a messy affair. And even if something passes the Senate, it could run into objections in the House.
The Senate Republican majority is planning to try and quickly approve the small business funds on Thursday to replenish the dwindling $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has asked all 100 senators to signal whether they would object to a quarter trillion more money for small businesses by noon on Wednesday.
Republicans haven't totally ruled out Democrats' request and multiple officials familiar with the ongoing discussions said their demands could be addressed in future coronavirus legislation.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/08/congress-coronavirus-package-174677
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