Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a proposal that would give $25 billion to the USPS. The bill, which was passed on a rare Saturday vote, passed 257 to 150 with 26 Republicans supporting it.
Unfortunately, stimulus checks were not included in this proposal as some had speculated.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) heavily criticized the bill as ignoring the real needs of Americans right now.
“Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi and House Democrats have spent weeks ignoring the urgent needs of American workers and families, but they rushed back to Washington the instant that overblown conspiracy theories about the United States Postal Service convinced them their own jobs might be at jeopardy,” McConnell said on Twitter.
It does not look like this standalone bill for aid to the USPS will pass the Senate and there has even been talk about the White House vetoing it.
Meanwhile, discussions to take place yesterday on Capitol Hill regarding the progress of the next stimulus package.
President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, met with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers.
According to Meadows, the ball is in the court of the Democratic leaders when it comes to passing another stimulus package.
“I even think that we can come up with an agreement on stimulus checks to Americans and enhanced unemployment,” Meadows said. “Those issues are not as divisive as we might think.”
Democrats are now calling for Nancy Pelosi to consider dropping items from her wish list that are seemingly holding back progress on negotiations.
At this point, it’s pretty clear that an agreement can be made on key issues like stimulus checks but it is going to require both sides to cede on certain issues.
Based on statements from those on Capitol Hill, it doesn’t look like lawmakers are giving up on the issue which is good.
“My job is to keep fighting to make sure that the next package of COVID relief comes to happen,” said Rep. Lou Correa.
“It’s been frustrating for me to watch this unfold as it has,” said Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham of South Carolina. “I would encourage everyone to remain at the negotiating table, (and) hammer out a deal recognizing that not everyone is going to get everything they want. Do not let perfect be the enemy of good.”
“I believe it’s important to look at things we can do to stimulate the economy with things like stimulus checks, but also making sure that we are not continuing to add trillions of dollars of debt that (will) have to be paid by our children and grandchildren,” said Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi.
So there does seem to be a sense of urgency with some lawmakers and there is definitely some agreement on key issues.
It’s just a matter of when the leadership will step up and be willing to put the interest of Americans above political party wishes and demands.
Related
Stimulus check update: where things stand
Pressure mounting on Pelosi to take action
Democrats may be willing to settle for smaller stimulus package right now
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
