WASHINGTON (SBG) — A group of moderate lawmakers proposed a stimulus plan in efforts to break Congressional gridlock on the next round of coronavirus relief.
The Problem Solvers Caucus, a 50-person group split evenly among Republicans and Democrats, released a roughly $1.5 trillion plan meant to be a middle ground between the two parties.
“We’ve heard from Americans from across our districts from across the state and across the nation that they’re frustrated. We joined in that frustration,” said Rep. Tom Reed, a New York Republican who co-chairs the caucus. “We watched as this negotiation was stuck in gridlock, was stock in a stalemate.
“What we are offering here is framework, a march to common ground that identifies the areas in the priorities that are those of the American people that are in need.”
Talks over a coronavirus package have been in a stalemate for months. House Democrats have settled on a figure around $2.2 trillion after some negotiations, while Senate Republicans have come around on a $500 billion package that was shot down by Democrats.
Both parties say the other is to blame for the gridlock.
The Problem Solvers Caucus proposal includes funding for COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus payments, liability and worker protections, and several areas of assistance that have been up for debate between the two parties.
The proposal would bring back unemployment insurance with payments of $450 a week for eight weeks, which would then be bumped up to $600 a week until they expire in January. The payments could not exceed 100% of a person’s previous wage, which has been a sticking point for Republicans who say it provides a disincentive for people to return to work.
Other Problem Solvers Caucus proposals certain to face criticism in the Republican-led Senate include $400 million for states’ election costs and $15 billion for the United States Postal Service.
Democrats have proposed for funding for both states and USPS, but Republicans believe the funds are unnecessary. House Minority Leader and other Republicans have called what Democrats describe as a crisis for USPS a “conspiracy theory.”
The caucus’ proposal also includes liability protections for businesses and workers, something Republican negotiators have pushed for in talks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A request for comment on if the proposal would be considered in the next round of negotiations wasn’t immediately returned by Schumer, Pelosi, or McConnell’s offices.
Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee released a statement on the proposal, saying it falls short of what is needed to save lives and boost the American economy.
“Unfortunately, today’s proposal retreats from these critical policies and fails to respond to additional issues that have emerged since May. When it comes to bolstering the public health system, supporting state and local governments, and assisting struggling families, the Problem Solvers’ proposal leaves too many needs unmet," the statement says in part.