Quote from Savings Beagle on September 10, 2020, 5:17 pm

Senate Republicans brought to the floor this afternoon a "skinny" Covid-19 relief bill that would have:

• Provided $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits through December 27
• Added funding for testing and vaccines
• Provided new money for schools and child care
• Established legal protections for businesses and health providers

The total amount of funding associated with this legislation was $650 billion - $350 billion of which was repurposed funds from previous coronavirus relief bills that had not been used.

The final vote was 52-47, but 60 votes were required to advance the bill.

All Senate Republicans - except for Sen. Paul (KY) - voted for the bill.  All Senate Democrats voted no - except for Sen. Harris (CA) who didn't vote.

The reality is, Senate Rs were lucky to get the votes they did.  There are a number of Republicans who are wary of funding additional relief measures due to the amount already spent and the potential harmful effects of ignoring America's financial situation.  They may have a point.  But right now is not the time to oppose reasonable financial assistance to Americans in need.

Which is what the Democrats are doing.  Their argument is the proposed relief measures are not enough.  And, when it comes to some of the issues Ds want addressed, they're right. 

But providing additional financial assistance to the currently unemployed is something that should be acted on not fought over.  An extra $300 per week is better than the $0 they have been getting post-July 31.

President Trump via executive order has provided an extra $300 per week to those currently unemployed, and states should be pushing out those federal payments now, but funding for the executive order will only cover weeks, not months, of the increased federal payout.

And additional monies for schools and daycare shouldn't be a controversial matter. 

Again, get some additional funding out there rather than nothing.

But, that doesn't appear to be the way Democrats are looking at the situation.  Or at least Democratic leadership.

There are a number of Democrats who do take seriously the need to provide additional financial assistance during this time of need.

The leaders, however, continue to play politics.  Do they really think having Americans hurting financially come November 3rd will help their election chances?  At this point, it looks like the answer is yes.

Legislation is all about compromise.  If the Senate had passed the Covid-19 relief bill this afternoon, it would have gone to the House where most assuredly changes would have been made.  And then, the differences between the House and Senate versions would have been haggled over in conference until a deal could be reached.

Unfortunately, the Senate Ds...likely in consultation with House Democratic leadership...decided they didn't even want to give the bill a chance.

If you feel differently, now's the time to let your voice be heard.

Contact your U.S. Representative and/or Senators to let them know how you feel.