Democratic and Republican lawmakers are scrambling to negotiate the conditions of another pandemic stimulus package that would make it to President Donald Trump's desk.
Major points of contention are on the continuation of expanded unemployment benefits, hazard pay for frontline workers, and liability protections for businesses whose employees contract the virus.
Republicans, who advocate for liability protections and largely against expanded unemployment benefits, are accused of prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of the millions of Americans financially impacted by the pandemic.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) bluntly stated her evaluation of GOP concerns for working Americans in an interview on CNBC.
Watch below.
Speaker Pelosi on why she thinks Republicans won't provide more money to those struggling right now: "Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn." pic.twitter.com/daTxivueuk
— The Recount (@therecount) August 6, 2020
When asked why Republicans are expressing hesitation at expanded allocations for working class Americans, Pelosi responded:
"Perhaps you mistook them for someone who gives a damn for what you just described."
She elaborated:
"They don't believe in governance, and that requires some acts of government to do that."
Pelosi and other prominent Democratic lawmakers have called for the Republican-dominated Senate to take up the HEROES Act, a package passed by the House of Representatives in May which the Senate has yet to bring to the floor.
The additional $600 to existing unemployment benefits expired at the end of July, adding even more urgency to these congressional negotiations.
People were so here for Pelosi's frank assessment.
Thank you Speaker Pelosi🔥. We know Republicans only care about big corporations and big Pharma (and confirming right wing judges).
— protect Bristol Bay 😷 #VoteBiden2020 🆘 (@hlphoenix) August 6, 2020
I like this kind of plain speak a lot. She has been good at it for so long and gets so little credit for it. pic.twitter.com/RadHjMUIQk
— Milenaac (@milenaac) August 6, 2020
She is right on. Republicans have been demonizing government for years so consequently they undermine government's ability to actually help people. Remember Ronald Reagan?
— Bridget (@Bridget22220182) August 6, 2020
I mean, she's not lying...
— Awesome EG NuNu (@eallenbr112) August 6, 2020
@SpeakerPelosi nails Republicans on their indifference to Americans' suffering during this pandemic. Deservedly so.
— CALL: 202-224-3121 (@sevenbowie) August 6, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has accused Democrats of letting unemployment benefits expire since they didn't accept a one week extension for the expanded benefits.
People aren't buying it.
No dude this is your fault. You sat on money for Americans because you hate America.
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) August 6, 2020
For 2 weeks you keep saying the Dems are standing in the way but you never showed up for negotiations with @SpeakerPelosi and @SenSchumer.
We know you don't care about struggling Americans. Not even your party is buying your lies.
— Chidi®️ (@ChidiNwatu) August 6, 2020
Maybe offer a deal that actually helps people who need help?
— Treason Stickers (@treasonstickers) August 6, 2020
Negotiations are expected to continue until at least the end of the week.
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