McConnell refuses to endorse bipartisan stimulus

Almost a week after Democratic congressional leaders climbed down from their demand for a multitrillion dollar stimulus package, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., continued to tout his own plan, endangering prospects for a compromise.

McConnell’s top priority -- federal limits on COVID- 19 related lawsuits against businesses -- has emerged as the key potential dealbreaker. Republicans have balked at the six-month moratorium proposed in a bipartisan stimulus package, saying it’s too limited, and talks have stalled.

McConnell’s continued use of rhetoric that predates the shift by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D- Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D- N.Y., on the overall dollar amount of aid underscored the risk of no further COVID-19 help by year- end.

“Drop the all- or nothing tactics,” McConnell said of Democrats on the Senate f loor on Monday. He again called on Schumer to allow a vote on a targeted bill that provides extended unemployment insurance, small- business aid and funding for vaccine distribution.

Senators from both sides of the aisle concluded that the prospects for a $ 908 billion compromise that Republican and Democratic negotiators are hashing out will come down to McConnell’s decision. Several GOP members have endorsed or been open to the plan, and top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said President Donald Trump would likely sign it. McConnell is engaging the negotiators even though he hasn’t budged.

“I’m optimistic we’re going to get somewhere,” McConnell told reporters Monday. “But I have no report at the moment about how.”

The Republican and Democratic negotiators continued to butt heads over aid for states and localities as well as the coronavirus liability protection for businesses.

“Those are coupled together,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who couldn’t predict whether the relief package will be enacted. “There’s either going to be none for both of those, or both of those that are going to be provided for. My hope is we’ll do both.”

Republicans have blasted state assistance as a bailout for mainly Democratic areas, while Democrats have refused to give employers a shield from lawsuits over poor protection against the spread of COVID-19.