Even as Congress has yet to sign off on a second, major package to address the coronavirus crisis, lawmakers are starting talks on a new, massive emergency funding plan to address some of the country’s increasingly dire economic concerns.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer jump started specifics for the new plan, proposing a $750 billion to raise funding for unemployment insurance, coronavirus treatment and emergency childcare assistance. The plan also includes student loan and housing payment assistance, aid to small businesses and expansion of hospital and treatment capacity.
The price tag eclipses the first emergency coronavirus aid bill of roughly $8 billion approved earlier this month to address response efforts. Late Monday, the House sent a second bill to address paid sick leave and testing to the Senate.