While the Senate will be in session next week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is giving senators the go ahead to head home until negotiators reach an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package.
“I will not be adjourning the Senate for our August recess today as has been previously scheduled. I’ve told Republican senators they’ll have a 24-hour notice before a vote, but the Senate will be convening on Monday, and I’ll be right here in Washington,” McConnell said on the Senate floor on Thursday.
He added, “The House has already skipped town, but the Senate won’t adjourn for August unless and until the Democrats demonstrate they will never let an agreement materialize.”
McConnell claimed no progress has been made as a result of a second straight week of “political theater” from Democrats.
Watch his comments below:
Sen. Mitch McConnell: "Perhaps Democratic leaders were never serious about getting something accomplished in the first place." pic.twitter.com/CO4JIK9djB
— The Hill (@thehill) August 6, 2020
He suggested Democrats “were never serious about getting something accomplished in the first place.”
Appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on Thursday, McConnell discussed the chances of reaching a deal in the next 24 hours.
McConnell reassured Americans both Republicans and Democrats are seeking to reach a deal because the economy needs a “boost” until a vaccine is provided.
He did not provide a specific time frame but remained optimistic lawmakers will reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
“Exactly when that deal comes together I couldn’t tell you, but I think it will at some point in the near future,” McConnell said.
Check out his remarks below:
When will Democrats and Republicans reach a coronavirus relief deal?
— CNBC (@CNBC) August 6, 2020
“Exactly when that deal comes together I couldn’t tell you, but I think it will at some point in the near future,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says. https://t.co/RbVuuUTDhx pic.twitter.com/IA1DJrn1SN
Democrats and Republicans have struggled to meet in the middle to provide additional assistance to Americans after enhanced unemployment benefits expired on Friday.
McConnell said on Tuesday he is intentionally staying out of the spotlight amid negotiations, as IJR previously reported.
He explained he is “prepared to support” any deal lawmakers reach even if he takes issue with portions of it.
