McConnell suggests dropping state aid, liability in relief deal
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Capitol Hill’s most powerful Republican, proposed Tuesday to shelve a controversial pet provision for an emerging COVID-19 relief package — but only if Democrats agree to shelve one of their top priorities too
McConnell, R-Ky., said he would drop a provision that would provide a shield against lawsuits for COVID-19-related negligence. In exchange, McConnell wants House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to drop a demand for $160 billion or so to help states and local governments with fiscal relief.
McConnell’s offer came as pragmatic, mostly moderate senators are negotiating over the two issues as they seek to dislodge the long-stuck COVID-19 relief effort.
The group of moderates, led by Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, is seeking to rally rank-and-file lawmakers in both parties behind a $908 billion framework. It is more generous than a GOP plan that’s been filibustered twice already but far smaller than a wish list assembled by House Democrats.
McConnell said Congress will not adjourn without providing the long-overdue COVID-19 relief. He has previously said he would not put any pandemic relief bill on the floor that does not include the liability shield, which is being sought by businesses, universities, nonprofits and others that are reopening during the pandemic.
“Leaving here without a COVID relief package cannot happen,” McConnell said. “Why don’t we set aside the two obviously most contentious issues. We know we’re going to be confronted with another request after the first of the year. We’ll live to fight those another day.”
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer rejected the entreaty, saying the state and local relief is sought by many Republicans, too, including some conservatives like Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah.
Pelosi initially demanded more than $900 billion for state and local governments last spring, but the fiscal situation in the states hasn’t been as bad as feared and Democratic leaders could be willing to accept a $160 billion proposal by the moderate group.
Already, Capitol Hill leaders are moving a government shutdown deadline to the end of next week, but progress is slow and key decisions are yet to be made. The House has scheduled a vote on a one-week temporary government funding bill for Wednesday. Without the measure, the government would shut down this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration dove back into the Capitol Hill’s negotiations, offering a $916 billion package to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that would send a $600 direct payment to most Americans.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made the offer to Pelosi late Tuesday afternoon, he said in a statement. He offered few details, though House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy said it proposes the $600 direct payment for individuals and $1,200 for couples, which is half the payment delivered by the March pandemic relief bill.