House of Representatives minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he does not expect Congress to pass a new coronavirus relief bill by the end of July, meaning a key financial lifeline is likely to expire.
“I imagine this bill will not take place in late July,” the California Republican told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and said he expects Congress to pass the legislation “probably in the first week of August.”
If lawmakers can’t approve a plan before the end of the month, a federal unemployment insurance benefit of $ 600 per week for millions of Americans will expire at least temporarily. The Republican Party wants to change policy or reduce the amount, while Democrats hope to extend aid as the unemployment rate exceeds 11%.
House of Representatives minority leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Leads a press conference at the Capitol Visitor Center, where he received questions from journalists working off-site due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday May 7, 2020.
Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call | fake pictures
Lawmakers are working to resolve a number of differences over how best to structure the bill as the pandemic spreads incessantly in the United States. Congress returned to Washington to debate the legislation this week as Covid-19 cases and deaths increase across the country, prompting states, including McCarthy himself, to pause or reverse their reopening plans. economic.
Democrats have called for a comprehensive package to offer extra help to unemployed workers, send another direct payment to people, offer risk pay to essential workers, help state and local governments facing budget problems, and offer assistance to tenants and homeowners as moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures begin to expire. Meanwhile, Republicans have anticipated a proposal based on tax incentives or bonuses that aim to encourage people to return to work and school, along with extensive liability protections for businesses and doctors during the pandemic.
After McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, met with President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on Monday. The talks will continue on Tuesday. Mnuchin and Meadows plan to attend the Senate Republican Party policy luncheon, then meet with Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer later in the afternoon.
Anticipating a process that could become especially bitter during an election year, McCarthy argued that the bill would not pass before August because she hopes Pelosi will delay it, as she seeks to include her priorities in it. A spokesman for the California Democrat did not immediately respond to a request for comment on McCarthy’s comments.
This story is unfolding. Please check for updates.
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