Close, but no deal yet on COVID relief

Congressional negotiators on the long-delayed $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package are working through a handful of remaining holdups Thursday as they labor to seal a final agreement. (Dec. 17)

Video Transcript

MITCH MCCONNELL: The country needs Congress to come through with another targeted rescue package. They've waited months. They've waited and suffered, and some have died, while needless political games have played out. The American people wait for more emergency assistance ought to be over.

But I will say this, Mr. President. In my judgment, we're very close to a point that arises in every major negotiation. It's the point where each side faces a fork in the road. Do we want to lapse into politics as usual and let negotiations lose steam? Do we want to haggle and spar, like this were an ordinary political exercise, get wrapped around the actual of language or policy riders that we know are controversial?

Or, on the other hand, after months of inaction, do we want to move swiftly and with unusual bipartisanship to close out our issues, seal the deal, and write checks that can quickly pass into law?

CHUCK SCHUMER: We're very close to an agreement, but the details really matter. When it comes to unemployment benefits, stimulus checks, aid to small businesses, and so much else, we have a responsibility to get this right. People's lives depend upon it.

I will note that had the Republican majority joined in negotiations any time in the last six months-- as we had requested-- we would not be in the unfortunate position of negotiating against the government-funding deadline. Leader McConnell kept calling for a pause, and here we are.

And I also note that we would have a much larger bill that met crucial needs of so many Americans if Republicans had not been so intransigent. But we're all eager to conclude our work and deliver the relief that the American people have been waiting for. Everyone wants to see this get done and soon.

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