This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
As the nation struggles to recover from the economic devastation of the coronavirus pandemic, Congress has failed to provide adequate relief to millions of Americans in need.
On July 27, the Republican-led Senate finally offered a $1 trillion counterbid to the Democratic-led House of Representatives' $3 trillion relief plan, which was passed in mid-May. However, the Senate's proposal has been met with criticism from both Democrats and the White House, who argue that it is insufficient to address the magnitude of the crisis.
The White House has proposed a short-term, piecemeal fix, which includes unrelated measures such as funding for a new F.B.I. headquarters and renovations to the West Wing. Many Republican members oppose any additional relief, leaving negotiations between the Senate and the House in a state of gridlock.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been accused of dragging his feet on the relief package, and his absence from key meetings between Democratic leaders and the administration's top negotiators has hindered progress. However, McConnell still holds significant leverage and can use his influence to push his members to compromise and help those in need.
One way to send a message to McConnell's members is to cancel the Senate's August recess, or at least postpone it until a deal is reached. Lawmakers value their time back home, and the threat of a canceled summer break may focus their minds on the importance of passing a relief package.
