The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Frustration and pressure are mounting as lawmakers work on a new virus relief package,
Sides struggle for a deal amid some movement on food stamps relief.
WASHINGTON — Frustrated Sen- ate Republicans re-upped their complaints on Tuesday that Democratic negotiators are taking too hard a line in talks on a sweeping coronavirus relief bill, but pressure is mounting for progress as COVID-weary senators are eager to return to their home states for
the August recess. “Secretary Mnuchin is prepared to make a few proposals that hopefully will be met with enthusiasm, and yet we’re a long ways away from striking any kind of a deal,” said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
One glimmer of hope emerged as a key Senate Republican telegraphed that the party may yield to Democrats on an increase in the food stamp benefit as part of the huge rescue measure, which promises to far exceed a $1 trillion target set by the GOP.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said Tuesday that “you can make an
argument that we need some kind of an increase” in food stamps and that he’s raised the topic with
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He added that an agreement on that issue could lead to further overall progress on the legislation, which remains stalled despite days of Capitol negotiations.
“They are taking a look at it and I think we can get a positive result,” Roberts said. “If we can get a breakthrough on that, it could lead to some other stuff.”
The food stamp issue — left out of earlier relief bills — is a top priority for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among other powerful Democrats, who have passed a 15% increase in the food stamp benefit as part of their $3.5 trillion coronavirus relief bill.
The overall talks are going slowly, though urgency is growing among Senate Republicans, several of whom face tough election races and are eager to deliver a bill before heading home to campaign this month.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Monday that the chamber should not go on recess without passing the huge relief measure, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., offered a jobless benefit proposal that’s more generous than a pending GOP alternative. Both are facing closer-than-hoped reelection
bids in states that should be easy holds for Republicans.
Multiple obstacles remain, including an impasse on extending the $600-per-week pandemic jobless benefit, funding for the U.S. Postal Service and aid to renters facing eviction.
“The $600 unemployment insurance benefit is essential because there are no jobs to go back to,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries of New York said on MSNBC on Tuesday morning. “We’ve got to help out everyday Americans. That’s a line in the sand.”