Pandemic Stimulus

Biden, Democrats reach deal that will likely speed approval

With bare control of Senate, it looks like Democrats will get their wish on President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill.

The president and Senate Democrats struck a deal over a couple of sticking points Wednesday. The agreement keeps $1,400 payments to individuals, but narrows eligibility. Single taxpayers making $75,000 or less would get the full amount. Those making up to $80,000 would get lesser payments and those making more than that noting at all. For couples filing jointly, the figures are $150,000 or less for the whole amount, with a lesser amount over that and a cutoff of $160,000.

Additional unemployments benefits would remain at the original $400 per week, instead of $300 as some wanted.

The deal is expected to keep all Democrats on board with the bill — essential for passage.

The increase in federal minimum wage to $15 and hour is already off the table in this stimulus, though it will likely rear its head down the road. We are happy to see it won’t be in this bill. Business owners do not need the additional expense while struggling with COVID-19 restrictions.

The Democrats plan to pass the bill through a process called “reconciliation,” which requires a simple majority vote. But the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation has to sign off on that. As of Wednesday afternoon they hadn’t.

And Senate Republicans are expected to add proposed amendments to the bill. But those will go nowhere and, provided reconciliation is given the go-ahead, would just delay the inevitable.

Americans still need help. Whether this bill the right way remains to be seen. But right now it looks like it will pass, maybe by the weekend, with checks rolling out soon after.

Stay tuned.