Senate’s McConnell Says US Economy Needs ‘Boost,’ but Coronavirus Aid Talks Drag On

Senate Majority Leader 👤Mitch McConnell said on Thursday the U.S. economy needs an “additional boost” to cope with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, as Republicans and Democrats remained far apart about what to include in another wave of relief.

Republican President 👤Donald Trump, who has threatened to act unilaterally if Congress does not agree on a further aid package, said he was working on an executive order targeting eviction protections and unemployment benefits.

The order would also address student loan repayment options and payroll tax cuts – a proposal he has raised repeatedly that met with little enthusiasm from Democrats or his fellow Republicans.

Congress’ top two Democrats and White House negotiators have been talking for nearly two weeks on next steps to address a crisis that has killed more than 157,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not back down on a demand to reinstate the $600 weekly enhanced unemployment payments that have been a lifeline for people who lost their jobs in the pandemic but recently expired. Republicans want to cut the payment, calling it a disincentive to work.

“When they come to the table and are like, ‘$600 – how could it be?’ they’re just demonstrating their condescension to America’s working families,” Pelosi told a news conference, after earlier suggesting Republicans did not give a “damn” about Americans who are hurting.

She rejected Republican proposals to agree on a temporary solution while negotiations continue, and said she hoped Trump would take executive action to extend a moratorium on evictions that expired late last month.

Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer were due to join Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for more talks at the U.S. Capitol at 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT).