Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., leave the Capitol after voting on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in the Capitol on Wednesday night. Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
With just minutes left in the day Wednesday, the Senate kept its pledge to pass a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill, in a unanimous vote.
The 880-page bill is full of funding priorities, including the authorization of a cash infusion to Americans of up to $1,200 for adults and $500 for children.
The final bill also included $367 billion in loans to small businesses, $500 billion in assistance to large businesses, states and cities, as well as an expansion to unemployment benefits that gives an extra $600 per month to those already receiving their states’ unemployment benefits.
The unanimity in the final vote came after a day of uncertainty, as Republican Sens. Ben Sasse (Neb.), Rick Scott (Fla.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Tim Scott (S.C.) threatened to hold up the bill because they felt the unemployment provisions in the bill were too generous and would disincentivize people to work.
“Let’s just make sure we make people whole,” Graham told reporters. “Let’s not increase their salary, because you can’t afford to do that.”
In response, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) threatened to hold up the bill over what he called the “corporate welfare” provisions in the bill.
Ultimately, these controversies were resolved before the final vote. Under normal circumstances, such a large bipartisan majority in the Senate would allay concerns from House members.
But much like the situation Wednesday, the bill’s path forward in the House remains somewhat unclear, as lawmakers of different stripes continue to express concerns about the massive package McConnell termed “emergency relief” rather than “stimulus.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) stayed active on Twitter for much of Wednesday, criticizing the Senate for its potentially extending its two-week Easter recess to three weeks. She also criticized Senate Republicans for offering a massive amount of corporate assistance in the same bill that is intended to offer relief to everyday Americans.
Ocasio-Cortez’s colleagues from the New York delegation are cautious about the bill. This comes after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said the bill was insufficient in meeting the needs of his state, which leads the nation in coronavirus cases with upwards of 30,000 cases.
“It would really be terrible for the state of New York,” Cuomo said Wednesday. “That is a drop in the bucket as to need.”
Some House conservatives cited concerns over the bill’s vast price tag.
Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fl.) tweeted his objection to funding for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, Howard University and $350 million for the State Department’s Migration and Refugee Assistance programs.
Senate Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has informed lawmakers that the House will convene Friday to consider the bill.
"In order to protect the safety of Members and staff and prevent further spread of COVID-19 through Members' travel,” Hoyer emailed lawmakers, “passage will be done by voice vote. Members who want to come to the House Floor to debate this bill will be able to do so."
The House originally hoped to pass the legislative package by unanimous consent but House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy cautioned that it would not be possible.
"I don't believe we should pass a $2 trillion dollar package by unanimous consent,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “But I also think it would be able to pass it by a voice vote."
That is what both Democrats and Republicans are counting on, especially after Senators voted unanimously for the bill.
With unemployment claims at the highest level in recorded history: 3.28 million, there is increased pressure on the House to pass this quickly and get it to the president’s desk.
In the current package, unemployment benefits would be increased for anyone experiencing unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers anticipate another funding bill will be needed in the future with Speaker Pelosi pledging further cash payments to Americans in a so-called “phase four” relief package.
U.S. officials spoke to Russian leaders for nearly eight hours earlier this week, in hopes of reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russia forced the west to the negotiating table by massing 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, sparking fears of an invasion, and then submitted a set of demands which the west rejected. Joel Rubin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State & President at Washington Strategy Group explains what the rest of the week might look like, and why other European nations may be on the side of the U.S.
Chicago schools opened their doors again following a dispute between the teachers union and the city over as the omicron variant continues to surge, but the safety issues they fought over weren't just limited to the Windy City. Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, family medicine and urgent care doctor, joined Cheddar in discussing concerns of parents, teachers, and students as schools try to operate amid COVID and noted what she's been observing as the number of infections among children rises. "I am seeing them contract the illness from so many different aspects," she said. "It could be from a fellow classmate. It could be from a parent. All of those things really play in the effect of transmission as well as contracting the illness."
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) is looking for clarification about a federal standard regarding THC impairment while driving. "I think in terms of marijuana, the fact that it's still a Schedule 1 narcotic — it's treated the same as heroin and cocaine — it means that we can't get standards developed," he said about the lack of cohesive regulations. The lawmaker also explained his previous opposition to cannabis legalization in Colorado when he was governor and why his position changed.
With Martin Luther King Jr. Day fast approaching, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C. 6th District), the House Majority Whip, talked about the importance of honoring the iconic civil rights activist. "As we consider the life and celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., let's think about who and what we are as a country, and whether or not we're going to give up on the ideals of this country or continue to press forward," he said. Clyburn also discussed the push for new voting legislation, the For the People Act and the John Lewis Act, as well as the fate of the Senate filibuster.
One year after the attack on Capitol Hill, America is still deeply divided and politically broken. Zoe Tillman, senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, breaks down President Biden's remarks on January 6, and why the country disagrees on its views over the violent insurrection.
While the pandemic caused financial troubles for many, the unique circumstances of the last two years proved helpful to many Americans. Whether it was the federal government's stimulus checks, expanded unemployment insurance, or general lockdowns, recent data reveals that the covid-19 pandemic helped many reach financial security. Neale Godfrey, Financial Expert and New York Times #1 Best Selling Author joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
U.S. markets opened higher despite red-hot inflation data which showed the highest surge in nearly 40 years. Jon Maier, CIO, GlobalX ETFs joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss this historic report.
Meta's request to have a Federal Trade Commission antitrust lawsuit dismissed was rejected by a federal judge. Prosecutors presented enough evidence in their latest filing to go forward with the case accusing the tech giant of operating a social networking monopoly through Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Covid cases have started to spike again across the nation, and this time they seem to be hitting some of our youngest and most vulnerable - school-aged children. School districts across the nation - including the country's largest public school system in New York City- are all grappling with what to do as teachers and students alike continue to miss school in droves.
Katie Honan, reporter for the New York City-based non profit news organization, The City explains how educational leaders across the country are handling covid demands from both teachers and parents alike.
Last week, the Supreme Court began here to hear arguments on two of the President's COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The vaccine or testing requirement for employees of large businesses, as well as the vaccine mandate for health care providers who get funding through either Medicare or Medicaid. The justices in DC will ultimately decide whether or not federal agencies even have the authority to issue these types of mandates. Editor at large of employment at Law 360, Vin Gurrieri, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
