The vast majority of the GOP party has rallied around Mr. Toomey’s provision. Their concern is that without following through on the original intention of March’s CARES act the lending programs could essentially become a slush fund in the future.
Democrats, however, argue the programs are still needed to help stimulate the economy and warn that it could tie President-elect Joseph R. Biden’s hands come next year.
Mr. Toomey met with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, earlier as they attempted to work out an agreement.
Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican, also noted that there are a handful of other small details, such as the deductibility of Paycheck Protection Program grants, are making progress.
As vice president, Mr. Biden served as something of a Mitch McConnell whisperer for former President Barack Obama, cutting deals with the Senate majority leader on major tax and spending bills.
The two spoke this week, and Mr. Biden said he’s heard from a handful of Republican senators who say they’re ready to work together on infrastructure and foreign policy.
“I may eat these words, but I predict to you as Donald Trump’s shadow fades away, you’re going to see an awful lot change,” he said.
During the presidential primary, liberal activists dismissed such calls and predictions. They said Democrats needed a bare-knuckle brawler to confront and eviscerate the GOP after four years of Mr. Trump.
-0:00
Congress Reaches Deal on $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Plan
Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, said on Sunday evening the stimulus package would include direct payments for Americans.
More help is on the way. Moments ago, in consultation with our committees, the four leaders of the Senate and the House finalized an agreement. It will be another major rescue package for the American people. As our citizens continue battling this coronavirus this holiday season, they will not be fighting alone. Weâve agreed to a package of nearly $900 billion. It is packed with targeted policies that help struggling Americans who have already waited entirely too long. For workers at the hardest-hit small businesses, there will be a targeted second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program. Weâve not worked so hard to save as many jobs as possible all these months only to fumble the ball with vaccinations already underway. Speaking of vaccines, we can nullify the success of
White House adviser Peter Navarro endorses postponing Georgia election Follow Us
Question of the Day By David Sherfinski - The Washington Times - Sunday, December 20, 2020
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Sunday that he likes the idea of postponing the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia next month to allow officials to get to the bottom of purported voter fraud and irregularities in the 2020 election.
“I like the idea of a special prosecutor to look at this. I like the idea of postponing the Georgia election on January 5,” Mr. Navarro said on Fox News. “Georgia when I look at that, that is a cesspool of election irregularities.”
By - The Washington Times - Sunday, December 20, 2020
Dr. Vivek Murthy, President-elect Joseph R. Biden’s pick to be the next U.S. surgeon general, said Sunday that it could take until the fall for a coronavirus vaccine to be widely distributed to the general U.S. population.
“We want to be optimistic, but we want to be cautious as well,” Dr. Murthy said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
He said it might be closer to mid-summer or early fall for when the vaccine makes its way to the general population.
TOP STORIES