House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:20 PM PT — Friday, May 22, 2020
The debate over coronavirus unemployment measures is heating up on Capitol Hill and is reportedly one of the key issues slowing down passage of the next relief package.
In March, the $2.2 trillion CARES Act made available an extra $600 a week for unemployment recipients. However, this measure is set to expire at the end of July.
As unemployment reached a record high of more than 38 million claims in the past nine weeks, Democrats began pushing to extend the July 31st expiration date.
“Even if infection rates go down in May and June, unemployment will keep going up,” stated Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.).
Democrat legislators have argued this money will effectively go towards the economy, since it will theoretically be spent on groceries and other essentials.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaks with reporters after meeting with Senate Republicans at their weekly luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
However, many Republicans have voiced opposition to the extension. According to some GOP lawmakers, the expansion would disincentivize employees to return to work and make it harder for small businesses to resume operations.
“Democrats encourage millions of Americans to stay unemployed, even if a good, safe job is offered,” explained Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas). “If you get paid more than your salary not to work and have good health care, why would you go back?”
The House has already voted to pass the extension as part of the $3 trillion HEROES Act. The Senate is set to discuss the next bill sometime after the Memorial Day recess.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently confirmed the next coronavirus relief bill will not extend the enhanced unemployment insurance.
In the meantime, unemployment is expected to rise as high as 20 percent in the coming months.
RELATED: Senate To Vote On Paycheck Protection Program Extension After Memorial Day Recess
Author: Michael
Handsome Devil..... and Smart too.
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