White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow says both parties have already made key trade-offs and he’s optimistic a stimulus deal will be complete soon.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says a bipartisan agreement is “close at hand.”
“We’ve yet to nail down every detail, but in broad strokes, we’ve been discussing the targeted second round of job-saving paycheck protection program that Republicans have sought since last summer,” said McConnell.
He says they are also discussing extended unemployment benefits.
Speaking on Newsman TV’s “American Agenda,” Kudlow said the up to $600 direct mail checks are for the entire population. The unemployment assistance would be “in the neighborhood of a $300 dollar federal plus-up.” He added a family of four would get $2,400.
He called the checks a gift for the holiday season to help people who have had a very hard time during the pandemic.
Kudlow says President Trump has always been behind sending another round of checks.
McConnell says the bill would include funds for virus-related spending such as vaccine distribution, testing, and school safety measures. And it would use money left over from the Cares Act.
“We intend to repurpose more than four hundred million dollars in unspent funds which were already allocated in the Cares Act,” said McConnell.
McConnell says both sides are working in good faith.
Leaders, working to finalize a comprehensive $900 billion virus relief deal by Friday night.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said they will not leave until they get the job done.
