US Congress eyes stopgap to allow for talks on budget, Covid relief

WASHINGTON  – The United States Congress will pass a stopgap spending bill this week to prevent a government shutdown and allow for extended negotiations on next year's budget and long-awaited relief for Americans and businesses hammered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Funding for federal operations dried up late on Friday, meaning the House and Senate must agree on either a new 2021 spending bill or a temporary fix known as a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the wheels of government spinning.

If they don’t, many federal operations go into shutdown on December 12 even as the healthcare system is stretched to its limits, a scenario lawmakers from both parties have sought to avoid in extended budget negotiations that have yet to bear fruit.

"I am disappointed that we have not yet reached agreement on government funding. The House” will vote on Wednesday on a one-week CR to keep the government open while negotiations continue,” the House’s number two Democrat Steny Hoyer said Monday on Twitter.

Republican and Democratic leaders have indicated that they would like the budget bill to include the next economic aid measures for the coronavirus, which is surging across the nation with daily infection and death totals at alarming levels.

Economic aid is seen as vital in the coming weeks, as expanded unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions expire at the end of the year. 

Lawmakers are using a US$908 billion (RM3.69 trillion) proposal as the basis for an emergency relief package that would extend unemployment insurance for millions and help small businesses struggling to stay afloat. 

It would also seek to assure safe and speedy distribution of Covid-19 vaccine doses that authorities expect could begin as soon as this month, following government approval.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he anticipated a Senate vote on the stopgap this week, after the House vote, so that negotiators can continue their work into next week if needed.

“Delivering for the American people will take focus, dexterity and genuine bipartisanship,” the top Republican said.

Some sticking points reportedly have emerged with the Covid relief package, including demands by Republicans for  suit protections for businesses and workers, and aid to state and local governments sought by Democrats.

The White House signalled Monday that progress was being made. 

“We are moving in the right direction, I think we’re getting closer,” White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told a Washington Post virtual panel.

He said it was “likely” that President Donald Trump will sign the measure, “but again it depends, importantly, on some of the policy details inside.”

President-elect Joe Biden, who succeeds Trump on January 20, has endorsed the relief proposal, saying last week it was not a complete package but a “down payment” on a more comprehensive bill next year. – AFP, December 8, 2020