COVID Stimulus Talks Collapse, Trump May Act Alone

The Associated Press reports:

A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money collapsed in disappointment Friday, making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits.

“It was a disappointing meeting,” declared top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, saying the White House had rejected an offer by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to curb Democratic demands by about $1 trillion. He urged the White House to “negotiate with Democrats and meet us in the middle. Don’t say it’s your way or no way.”

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “Unfortunately we did not make any progress today.” Republicans said Pelosi was relying on budget maneuvers to curb costs and contended she has overplayed her hand.

COVID STIMULUS TALKS COLLAPSE, TRUMP EXPECTED TO TAKE EXECUTIVE ACTION pic.twitter.com/uWlCJvCJee

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 7, 2020

U.S. stimulus talks have faltered, and President Trump’s advisers said they would recommend that he bypass Congress and consider a set of executive orders to extend benefits. https://t.co/dF6a6wedx3

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 7, 2020