After a week of setbacks, senate leaders have finally reached a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus package to invest into the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan marks a historic moment, as it is the largest aid package in U.S. history. The stimulus package will include direct supports to Americans, support for American businesses, as well as funding to extend employment insurance.
“That Washington drama does not matter any more. The Senate is going to stand together, act together, and pass this historic relief package today,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The package comes after a week of failed negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, and despite the brevity of the aid package, there was stalling from Democrats who were fighting for a deal more reflective of their priorities. Democrats had been specifically demanding that the plan include specific provisions for funding for corporations, more allocations for unemployment insurance, and more funding for hospitals. All of their provisions were met in the new deal.
Some of the main provisions of the new deal include:
Republican leader Mitch McConnel said of the deal: “This is a wartime level of investment into our nation,” McConnell said. “The men and women of the greatest country on earth are going to defeat this coronavirus and reclaim our future, and the Senate is going to make sure they have the ammunition they need to do it.”
However, progressive Democrats say that the deal does not meet the needs of working people.
.@senatemajldr your priorities are clear.
You don’t care about people, especially poor or working class folks. To include water shutoff relief for businesses, but then leave out families who don’t have access to water right now is INHUMANE. Their lives are at risk. #COVID19
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) March 25, 2020