‘Skinny’ coronavirus relief plan grows slightly; Senate to vote Thursday – By Doug Sword (Roll Call) / Sept 8 2020
Proposal to cost less than earlier $1 trillion package; measure unlikely to advance in Senate, but could bolster GOP incumbents
Senate Republicans are proposing to beef up a “skinny” coronavirus relief package by more than 100 pages, including an enhanced deduction for charitable giving, $20 billion for farmers and ranchers and money for child care and stockpiling medical supplies.
A vote on the package, which isn’t expected to advance over Democratic opposition, could come on Thursday, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Kentucky Republican said Tuesday morning before introducing the revised bill that it would be “targeted” to the “very most urgent” needs facing Americans dealing with the continued pandemic fallout.
“Senators will not be voting on whether this targeted package satisfies every one of their legislative hopes and dreams,” McConnell said in floor remarks later on Tuesday. “We vote on whether to make laws, whether to forge a compromise, whether to do a lot of good for the country and keep arguing over the remaining differences later.”
McConnell later on Tuesday filed a motion to end debate on the underlying legislative vehicle, a measure that has already become law separately. Using a “shell” that has already passed both chambers enables the Senate to skip a procedural step and vote on cloture Thursday.
Continue to article: https://www.rollcall.com/2020/09/08/mcconnell-announces-vote-on-targeted-coronavirus-aid-package/
