House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is taking a swipe at Republicans arguing they have not presented an adequate proposal amid negotiations over the next coronavirus relief package.
The host of ABC’s “This Week” Martha Raddatz noted Democrats turned down a temporary extension of unemployment insurance and asked Pelosi what she would say to Americans who are now without benefits.
Pelosi suggested Americans should look to President Donald Trump and Republicans as they have not necessarily provided a solution to the problem.
“I say to them, talk to President Trump. He’s the one who is standing in the way of that,” Pelosi said.
She added, “We have been for the $600. They have a $200 proposal which does not meet the needs of America’s working families and it’s a condescension quite frankly because they’re saying really don’t need it, they’re just staying home because they make more money at $600. So the idea that they made a proposal is really not actually factual.”
Check out her comments below:
After Democrats turned down offer of short-term extension, Speaker Pelosi says, “We have been for the $600. They have a $200 proposal which does not meet the needs of working families … the idea that they made a proposal is really not actually factual.” https://t.co/HNQgCe39RN pic.twitter.com/tnlu1Bdx3g
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 2, 2020
Raddatz went on to clarify asking Pelosi if anything less than $600 in unemployment insurance is a “deal breaker.”
Pelosi explained the amount of money used for enhancement in unemployment insurance should be dependent on the rate of unemployment.
According to Pelosi, as the rate of unemployment decreases, an amount less than $600 can be considered. But, as of now, the agreement calls for $600.
Raddatz asked Pelosi if there is any truth to the argument put forth by Republicans suggesting the $600 is a disincentive for some to go back to work.
Pelosi cited statistics proving the provision is keeping Americans out of poverty.
She called them “essential” for working families.
“To condescend, to disrespect, their motivation is so amazing how insistent the Republicans are about working family and their $600 and how cavalier they are about other money that is going out,” Pelosi said.
Democrats and Republicans both said on Saturday they are not close to coming to an agreement, as IJR previously reported.
Officials will meet again on Monday.
