The next congressional coronavirus stimulus bill should include protecting obligations for businesses that are trying to reopen amid a pandemic, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
There is a “high likelihood” that lawmakers are taking other steps to blunt the economic impact of the virus, says Kentucky Republican, but the bill must protect businesses from lawsuits related to the virus to get President Trump’s signature.
“It has to be part of any package, because if we really are going to improve the economy and come back, people must be brave enough to start engaging in economic activities,” McConnell to Fox News on Thursday, said Republicans were working on “made narrowly” protection.
McConnell also rejected the $ 3 trillion stimulus proposal from House Democrats as a “liberal wish list.” The 1,800-page bill introduced this week called for another round of $ 1,200 checks for taxpayers, but McConnell said it would provide money for illegal immigrants and mention marijuana more than work.
“That in my opinion can hardly be saved,” McConnell said. “This is a parade of absurdity that is difficult to take seriously.”
McConnell outlined the Republican Senate stimulus priorities after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell urged Congress on Wednesday to take further action to prop up the economy.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellPatrick Semansky / AP
While federal lawmakers have agreed to close to $ 3 trillion in stimulus spending since the end of March, Powell said the other package “could be expensive, but it is feasible if it helps avoid long-term damage.”
But McConnell did not want to commit to determining the time for another bill. “We will let you know when we think the time is right to start moving again,” he said.
