Pelosi’s Stimulus Package Deadline Passes Without an Agreement

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 48-hour deadline has come and gone and there’s still no coronavirus relief package. Despite their apparent failure to try and fast-track a bill once more, Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin continue to hold lengthy negotiations in hopes of still cutting a deal before election day. They intend to resume discussions today over a range of issues such as funding for state and local governments, jobless benefits, funding for schools, liability protections, and more. Pelosi said she remains hopeful a proposal could be agreed upon soon, saying they’re very close to resolving key issues. However, it appears most Senate Republicans are still not on board, particularly Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who said yesterday a bill was not likely to get off the ground by November 3rd. He believes, logistically, passing such a measure so quickly would be extremely difficult. There’s still the matter of the price tag which he believes is too large a hurdle to overcome. He’s also advised colleagues not to accept a deal before November for fear of dividing their party.