A fully realized bipartisan COVID relief bill has finally materialized, a 748 billion dollar piece of legislation with a 160 billion dollar additional option that includes funding for state and local governments.
The core 748 billion dollar block of funding would restart 300 dollar federally boosted unemployment checks, include another round of PPP, and more. Senator Bill Cassidy celebrated it.
“We actually came up with something that I think is a victory for the American people, and I like to call this caucus in my own mind the Ronald Regan-Tip O’Neil caucus,” said Cassidy.
No additional stimulus check was included in the bill.
Cassidy said the 160 billion dollar option will largely hinge on whether an agreement can be made over a potential liability shield that would protect businesses from COVID-related lawsuits.
“There’s 160 billion dollars that will be unleashed if we can find an agreement on liability,” said Cassidy.
Should the 160 billion dollar package be passed Cassidy said it would be fairly apportioned to states and municipalities based on size, and not be allowed for use in paying down pension funds.
The bill had the backing of 12 Senators but it’s unclear if it will be able to garner majority support.
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