“We’re right within reach,” Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members of her party on a call discussing the negotiations, according to a person who was on the call.
Both Republicans and Democrats said the last major sticking point was a Republican push, led by Senator Patrick Toomey, to rein in Federal Reserve lending programs.The dispute raised concern as the day passed that the talks could be delayed for days, or break down altogether. Toomey was one of a small group of senators seen having a heated discussion in the Senate chamber, before going to an afternoon meeting in Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s office.
Adding urgency to calls for action are the looming Christmas holiday, a government shutdown possibly at midnight on Sunday and two runoff elections in Georgia on Jan. 5 that will determine whether Republicans keep control of the U.S. Senate. Republican opponents said those programs are an unnecessary government interference in private business that politicizes the Fed and accused Democrats of seeking to extend them into 2021 as a backdoor way to provide unchecked funds for state and local governments controlled by members of their party.
The parties also disagree over how best to aid arts venues closed by COVID-19 restrictions, and how much emergency money should go to local governments for supplies like personal protective equipment for schools.
Failure on so many levels
Not only do small businesses need relief.. PEOPLE need relief! What is so hard about helping WE THE PEOPLE?
Tool bag
Emergency lending programs for small businesses; all states; all local governments: federalreserve Please inform US as to limitations What can majority owner of reserve funds be allowed to do? Use my funds toward public need Business loans/public funding Reinstate Heritage Bank.
It’s NOT going to pass , dreamers
Oh, so the republicans can give trillions to the wealthy and create a huge amount of debt. They must want to prevent Biden from getting the economy back up and running. Now their back to don't spend a dime attitude. Guess Joe's going to have to really raise the rich taxes now.
Twitter needs to be loud and clear about what we need from our “lawmakers”. We need relief Now!!! weneedreliefnow
You mean the has to jump hoops to get past McConnell’s obstructionism?
stop the excuses all you bastards just do it.
Nancy Pelosi sounds optimistic about a deal coming soon.
Are these people even serious! Why this wasn't completed so people could receive the money before Christmas. If it's even done now, it going to be weeks before cheques are given / delivered.
wow