Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is calling on both congressional Republicans and Democrats to put aside their differences and come to an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package.
Jake Tapper, the host of CNN’s “State of the Union,” noted lawmakers are taking steps toward replacing enhanced unemployment benefits as they are set to expire this week and noted the Trump administration has proposed having new payments replace 70% of a workers’ prior wage to being unemployed.
Tapper asked Hogan if it is feasible and if it is enough for unemployed workers.
Hogan suggested Congress should be less focused on the details and more focused on unifying to provide the American people with a solution.
“Rather than us arguing about the specifics that each side wants, we just got to get some bipartisan cooperation on both sides and sit down and hammer something out because an awful lot of people need this help,” Hogan said.
Watch his comments below:
Gov. Larry Hogan on Covid-19 unemployment benefits and stalling stimulus negotiations in Congress: "We just got to get some bipartisan cooperation on both sides and sit down and hammer something out because an awful lot of people need this help" https://t.co/0bl0iM2Oss #SOTU pic.twitter.com/kn2McjGhG4
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 26, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is expected to unveil a proposal on Monday, as IJR previously reported.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows indicated Republicans will not be extending the $600 in unemployment benefits.
Amid the looming expiration date, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) slammed Republicans for what she believes was a failure to prepare for the end to these benefits, as IJR previously reported.
Pelosi said Republicans are “derelict in their duty.”
Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) both released a statement urging McConnell to stop “unnecessary” delays and produce a proposal they can all agree on.
The Republican proposal will reportedly include additional financial relief for small businesses, $105 billion in funding for schools, and legal protection for businesses.
The original proposal included direct payments totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples.
The official end date to these unemployment benefits is July 31, according to the CARES Act.
