Stimulus Package Amongst Political Confusion

With rapidly increasing amounts of COVID cases in the United States, multiple states are reinstating lockdowns or restrictions, especially with the holiday season approaching. For many, this year has been financially devastating, with lost wages, jobs, and savings. While Congress passed a stimulus package that provided a majority of adult Americans with a $1,200 check, this was a paltry amount for the prolonged financial stress most are under. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and the House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) failed to reach a deal on a second stimulus package prior to the election despite some support from President Trump, due to McConnell’s obstinacy. After his re-election, McConnell signaled his willingness to work together to pass a package. 

 

The Democrats originally proposed a bill of 3 trillion USD with the Republicans countering with a $1 billion plan. Both have now scaled their proposals down to 2 trillion for the Democrats and a possible 500 billion for Republicans. It still is unclear which party will control the Senate, with runoff races occurring in Georgia in January which presents a potential threat as neither party wants to fully proceed until they can ensure they have enough power to bargain for their demands. However, there is renewed support from business groups to pass a bill immediately as well as growing demand from the American people who are struggling to make ends meet. 

 

While McConnell has now decided to work to pass a bill, he has attached a great deal of caveats for the Democrats to meet. McConnell is anxious to pass a bill before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in and before the Georgia races are decided, in case, he loses his leverage in the Senate. For his part, President Trump is focused not on passing a stimulus package, but rather, a far-fetched legal attempt to identify voter fraud and invalidate the results of the election. 

 

McConnell’s actions are disappointing as a stimulus package should not be political. As a senator, his loyalty should be to the people, and specifically his constituents. There have been nearly a thousand deaths in Kentucky, and, as of November 20^th, some lockdown measures and restrictions have been reinstated. While some people were able to return to work when restaurants reopened in the summer, many are now once again facing layoffs as indoor dining is banned. These people should not be victims of McConnell’s personal dislike or Washington politics.