COVID-19 Package to Go Before Senate in February, Chuck Schumer Says
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A new round of COVID-19 economic relief that would include aid for hard-hit transportation systems will be up for consideration in early February, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated Jan. 28.
The $1.9 trillion aid package proposed by President Joe Biden would provide $20 billion for struggling transit systems, as well as $350 billion for state and local governments afflicted by the economic downturn. Schumer and other lawmakers argue myriad sectors are desperately in need of more emergency aid.
“Quickly, though, this chamber must also consider additional relief for the American economy and the American people suffering from the prolonged effects of COVID-19. Congress must pursue a bold and robust course of action to defeat the disease, recover our economy, get our country back to normal. Again, our country requires bold and robust action,” Schumer (D-N.Y.) said from the Senate floor.
“We have a responsibility to help the American people fast,” added Schumer, who expressed optimism for bipartisan cooperation in approving the relief measure. Without input and cooperation from Republicans, Democrats insist they would consider proceeding with a budgetary procedure designed to expedite passage of certain legislation.
Schumer explained applying the budgetary procedure would shield the aid measure from the threat of a filibuster. The Democratic leadership in the House indicated it supports approving the new round of COVID-19 aid and has endorsed using this budgetary procedure, known as a budget reconciliation.
“The House will work closely with the Senate and the White House to build on today’s efforts with COVID-19 relief legislation that meets the measure of this challenge,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Jan. 21, shortly after the Biden White House announced a strategy for dealing with the pandemic.
Biden’s proposal also calls for dedicating $130 billion for school reopenings, $160 billion for a nationwide vaccination program, $30 billion in rental assistance, $25 billion for child care, food assistance and emergency paid leave, and $1,400 in direct payment assistance.
Democrats aim to clear the package for Biden’s signature prior to the start of former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in the Senate on Feb. 9.
Congressional Republican leaders, meanwhile, point to bipartisanship while reminding colleagues that nearly $1 trillion in emergency aid was approved prior to the start of the Biden administration.
McConnell
As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) noted, “So as the $900 billion package from five weeks ago continues to come online, and as remaining needs continue to come into focus, Republicans will be ready and eager to continue bipartisan discussions about smart steps forward for the American people.
“Bipartisan action helped our nation endure the last year. Bipartisan action helped us turn the corner. And it will be smart, bipartisan actions that help us finish this fight.”
While Congress debates, transportation stakeholders sound the alarm about the pandemic’s impact on various sectors.
American Public Transportation Association CEO Paul Skoutelas observed, “The pandemic represents an existential threat to public transit jobs, businesses and service.”
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