WASHINGTON (NewsNation Now) — Time is nearly up on a Tuesday deadline to reach a deal on a new coronavirus stimulus relief package before the November election.
After months of failed negotiation, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said Sunday the White House has 48 hours to agree on terms or there will be no deal before Election Day.
“I want to do it at a bigger number than she wants. That doesn’t mean all Republicans agree with me,” President Donald Trump said.
In fact, most Republican Senators say they don’t.
President Trump’s call for a larger than $2.2 trillion package is far more than what Republicans will introduce this week.
“A half a trillion of good that Congress can do right now, through programs that Democrats say they do not even oppose,” Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said.
Separate from negotiations between the White House and Speaker Pelosi, the Senate majority leader is reintroducing what was called a “skinny bill,” which includes $500 billion in relief measures.
Sen. McConnell said it may not be everything the country needs, but he said it provides immediate help.
“American families deserve for us to agree where we can,” he said.
“Folks are hurting,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Democrats like Sen. Wyden said McConnell’s bill doesn’t go nearly far enough to help struggling families make rent or put food on their tables.
“When working families need a whole loaf, he can say well maybe we’ll give them a slice,” Sen. Wyden said.
“Leader McConnell will once again force a vote on a partisan, emaciated COVID bill,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
The Senate minority leader said McConnell reintroducing the same bill that failed last month isn’t a real solution.
“It’s obvious he designed it to fail,” Sen. Schumer said.
While the Senate is scheduled to vote on the Republican stimulus bill Wednesday, any deal the White House and Democrats agree to, would also have to go through the Senate, before President Trump could sign it.
Tuesday the Senate votes on a stand-alone bill to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program for businesses. McConnell said Democrats have no reason to block, it’s a program they all support.
NewsNation is hearing from Democrats if this becomes just a “show vote” for Republicans, Democrats will not support.
