Nancy Pelosi’s Utterly Shameless Coronavirus Stimulus Showdown
Democrat Senator and Pelosi sidekick Chick Schumer emerged from the disappointing vote saying the bill was a “large corporate bailout with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight.” | Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP
- Democrats are unwilling to compromise on a much-needed coronavirus stimulus package.
- Nancy Pelosi seems unconcerned about her role in delaying critical aid.
- The political squabbling is bad for morale among struggling Americans.
Investors nervously watched the stock market on Monday as lawmakers in Washington failed to agree on a crucial stimulus package to prop up the U.S. economy.
Even as predictions of a 50% drop in GDP and a 30% rise in unemployment rolled in, Democrats refused to put party politics aside and compromise on a bailout.
On Sunday night, Senate Democrats blocked a bipartisan stimulus package , saying Republicans would need to compromise further. The failed vote came as a shock because lawmakers appeared close to agreeing on a stimulus package just 24 hours before the vote.
Senator John Thune (R-SD) commented :
The Democrats are getting some of the things they’ve asked for. They’re getting what they wanted on unemployment insurance.
What Happened to the Stimulus Package?
Enter Nancy Pelosi.
Just hours before the deal was to be approved, the power-hungry House Speaker seized the opportunity to grind negotiations to a halt. She suddenly revealed she was going to draft her own bill.
House Democrats claim they’re working to create their own stimulus package to rescue the U.S. economy, but accounts suggest it’s more than just the coronavirus bailout the country desperately needs.
The difference? Progress on long-term policy goals that have nothing to do with the fallout from COVID-19. The House bill hasn’t been made public yet, but it’s expected to mirror that of the Senate with a few added extras that advance the Democratic party’s progressive agenda.
Pelosi Selfishly Sticks to Her Schedule
Senate Republicans moved to hold another vote on Monday morning in an effort to get the stimulus package approved before the political bickering does any more damage.
But Speaker Pelosi made it clear she’s not bothered by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Monday deadline.
It’s on the Senate side because that’s their deadline for a vote
What she doesn’t seem to understand is the urgency with which the stimulus package is needed. The U.S. economy is in a downward spiral, and medical professionals are in dire need of basic equipment. Without a stimulus agreement, all of that will be on hold.
The timeline is more than just an arbitrary demand from Republicans. Not only is the U.S. economy in a precarious position, but the government itself is under threat from coronavirus. Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for the virus , and many other lawmakers are self-quarantining.
Corporate Bailout Label Misleading
In the wake of the failed vote, Democrats have been keen to label the stimulus as a “corporate bailout.” Democrat Senator and Pelosi sidekick Chuck Schumer emerged from the disappointing vote saying the bill was a:
large corporate bailout with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight.
But Schumer’s comments don’t align with what other Democrats said of the bill earlier that weekend, before Pelosi threw a political grenade into the negotiations.
Ahead of the vote, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) noted,
We’ve reached a point where the big issues — the really big important issues — are just interrelated, and we can make progress
In fact, Schumer himself was ready to come to an agreement on Saturday afternoon.
We’re making very good progress. I’m optimistic we can make a deal
What’s Next for the Stimulus Package – and Democrats
Lawmakers are due to vote again at 1 pm ET on Monday, but hopes are not high that a deal is in sight. House Democrats may come to regret this selfish stalemate.
The squabbling in Washington could undermine Joe Biden’s presidential bid as Americans look desperately to the government for relief.
If the bipartisan deal is postponed much longer, the damage to morale among the public could be irreparable.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
