Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that the "most contentious" issues such as state and local funding or liability protections should be set aside by Congress members so lawmakers can reach a stimulus deal agreement by the end of the year.
Republicans have long balked at extensive funding for state and local governments, while Democrats have objected to providing liability protections for businesses, hospitals, and others trying to reopen during the CCP virus pandemic.
Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said many senators do not want to "bail out" states, reiterating an argument from Republicans for months. "We need a targeted fiscally responsible approach to coronavirus relief," he said.
Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), in reference to a $900 billion bipartisan stimulus proposal, said at a news conference that the smaller bill shows “momentum.” She added: “The tone of our conversations is one that is indicative of the decision to get the job done.”
On Dec. 4, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, however, told Bloomberg News that it’s not clear what will happen.
“I can’t say one way or the other what the outcome’s going to be,” he said, while noting that $160 billion proposed under the bipartisan package to state and local governments might not receive much GOP support.