WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump yesterday signed a one-week budget stopgap approved by the Senate that avoids a government shutdown and allows lawmakers to continue negotiations on getting pandemic relief to millions of Americans.
The Senate passed the measure in a voice vote days after the House of Representatives approved the so-called continuing resolution, which extends current funding for all federal agencies through December 18.
Trump signed it yesterday evening, said the White House, hours ahead of a midnight deadline that would have seen funding for federal operations dry up.
The one-week reprieve averts – for now – the stunning prospect of a government shutdown even as the country endures spiking Covid-19 infections and deaths, without new economic relief for families and businesses struggling through the pandemic.
Lawmakers now have extra time to craft a rescue package, which many have sought to include in a sweeping omnibus spending bill.
However, bickering over reaching a deal on Covid-19 relief and federal funding for the fiscal year 2021, which began on October 1, is setting up an intense final few days of legislative work before the Christmas holiday.
The temporary fix had faced multiple procedural threats, including from an unlikely duo: conservative Senator Josh Hawley and far-left Senator Bernie Sanders.
Both are seeking a new round of rebate cheques sent directly to Americans as part of any virus relief package.
Sanders yesterday backed off his threat to delay the stopgap unless it includes rebate cheques of US$1,200 (RM4,860) per adult and US$500 per child.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has been working to finesse a US$908 billion stimulus plan that includes new unemployment aid, help for state and local governments, and limited liability protections for businesses.
But, party leaders remain at loggerheads over the package, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insisting that the current package is unworkable because he wants a broader liability shield for businesses vulnerable to coronavirus-linked suits.
Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said it is “mind-boggling” for McConnell to make such a demand as millions of Americans face the worst economic downturn in decades and the greatest public health crisis in a century.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday signalled that she might keep lawmakers in Washington, even beyond Christmas, if needed, until a stimulus deal is reached. – AFP, December 12, 2020
