Bipartisan senators introduce $908 billion COVID-19 relief bills

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At a press conference on Monday, Dec. 14, a group of bipartisan senators released the framework for two COVID-19 relief bills that total $908 billion. This comes after weeks of discussion over the original relief plan, which is now split into two separate bills. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, was one of the senators at the forefront of negotiations, and stressed the importance of passing another relief bill before Christmas.

“COVID infections are rising. Small business owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress’ last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country,” Cassidy said.

The larger of the two bills, The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020 totals to $748 billion, and would be used for small business support, expansion of unemployment benefits, rental assistance, and education funding. The second bill, The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020 would send $160 billion in state and local aid, albeit if an agreement can be reached on liability protections.


“So, we feel as if this addresses the needs for states that have lost a lot. It’s fair to states who, perhaps, haven’t lost a lot, but nonetheless will need funding to enable the better distribution of vaccines or for needs that are yet realized because of the continued COVID-19 crisis,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy also went on to explain that $8 billion of the $160 billion bill would be set aside for tribal governments, and introduced a formula to allocate the remaining funds to state and local government.

Although many senators expressed their support for this relief package, these bills will not go without opposition. Republicans and Democrats in Congress disagree on liability protections for businesses as provided in the second bill. Senator Mitt Romney, R-Utah, echoed the Republican party’s opposition towards funding local and state governments due to the various needs of each state. Neither proposal included another direct round of payments to Americans. It is also unclear when, if at all, congressional leaders will bring the bills up for discussion.

Many members of the bipartisan group expressed urgency in passing these bills before they returned home for the Christmas holidays. Lawmakers have until Dec. 18 to create a relief package before funding expires.


 

By Hugh Plaisance

Photo submitted.