In another break with the president, Senate Republicans also want billions more to support state testing efforts. They are also pushing for funds for personal protective equipment and to lay the groundwork for vaccine production.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows will meet with a trio of Senate Republicans: Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama, HELP Committee Chairman , Lamar Alexander, from Tennessee, and Senator Roy Blunt, from Missouri, Tuesday morning, followed by lunch. with the full Republican Senate Conference
White House financial adviser Larry Kudlow is also expected to attend lunch.
Pelosi presented his timeline during a private meeting with House Democrats on Tuesday morning, saying the need for a bill is “imminent.” Pelosi did not draw any “red lines” in the caucus call, but instead reiterated Democratic priorities, including state and local aid and funding for frontline workers and the postal service.
She said she spoke to Mnuchin on Monday about “cleaning and hours and the rest.” The two are due to meet in their office on Tuesday afternoon along with Meadows and Schumer.
“We will start our talks today,” Pelosi said on the call, according to Democratic sources. “I hope we can resolve our differences and have an invoice by the end of next week.”
The negotiations come as Congress is preparing for a three-week sprint for the August recess. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Has made it clear that any coronavirus package must include liability protections for businesses and schools against coronavirus exposure claims. Senate Republicans also want to offer financial incentives for the full reopening of schools.
The Republican Party proposal, to be released later this week, is likely to also include direct payments to individuals.
While both sides are expressing their confidence, Congress may reach a deal before lawmakers return home to campaign in August, Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on key issues, including price. McConnell and administration officials want to keep the package at around $ 1 trillion, while Democrats are pushing for the adoption of the $ 3 trillion House Heroes Act, that the lower house approved two months ago.
Republicans are rejecting the Democrats law as nothing more than a liberal wish list.
Another sticking point will be whether to extend the increased unemployment insurance provisions. The March coronavirus package included a $ 600 per week increase, which will expire in the coming days. Senate Republicans argue that the enhanced benefits provide workers with a disincentive to return to work and want to see payments reduced or restricted based on income.
But Democrats show no sign of collapse, and some, including Schumer, are pushing to link unemployment insurance benefits to economic conditions.
