Senate Republicans Divided Over $1 Trillion Stimulus Package

As the U.S. coronavirus death toll surpasses 150,000 and almost half of all states report surges, Senate Republicans are divided over the newly proposed stimulus package. The one trillion dollar HEALS Act would include another round of stimulus checks, allocate funds towards schools, provide liability protections for hospitals, assist small businesses, and more. However, many republicans were quick to reject other elements of the bill. Specifically, the inclusion of almost $2 billion which would go towards building a new FBI headquarters. Also sparking a point of controversy is the some $8 billion for the Department of Defense which would aide in previously defunded Pentagon projects. Florida Senator Rick Scott pointed out, “I just don’t understand it. How is it tied to coronavirus?” and Senator Ted Cruz referred to it as a “mistake.” Senate Majority Mitch McConnell has even voiced his opposition. However, another senator referred to the bill as a “starting point”. The hope is that further negotiations will delve into areas that were hard hit by the pandemic but forgotten in the bill, such as new money for state and local governments.