Weekend Government Shutdown Likely as Spending Bill Negotiations Continue

Hopes to pass a bipartisan Covid relief bill today have been stifled as congressional leaders still haven’t reached an agreement. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have expressed excitement over the $900 billion deal all week. After months of stalemates, they finally agreed to forego their most controversial objectives, which for Democrats included more funding for local and state governments, while Republicans were pushing for state liability protections. It will instead included at least $600 direct stimulus payments, $300 billion for the small business loan program, and money for vaccine distribution, testing, and increased education funds. Lawmakers were making quick progress on the long-awaited bill and promised to get something passed by today in avoidance of a government shutdown. However, as time is running out and negotiations still have not ceased, some believe a weekend shutdown is likely. In that case, senators heading the short-term bill will work through the weekend to finish both the Covid relief bill, as well as the $1.4 trillion spending bill.