Senate fails to pass coronavirus economic rescue package News
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Senate fails to pass coronavirus economic rescue package

Senate Democrats blocked the coronavirus economic rescue package on Sunday because the package favored corporations and did not do enough to support aid individuals facing unemployment and loss of income.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was introduced by Senate Republicans on Thursday. The CARES Act was estimated to inject nearly $2 trillion into the economy, which has come to an abrupt stop.

The 47-47 vote was along party lines. Several Republican senators were unable to vote due to the coronavirus. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tested positive for COVID-19, and Utah’s two senators, Sen. Mitt Romney and Sen. Mike Lee are self-quarantining after spending time with Paul. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) are also self-quarantining after possible exposure.

Democrats stood firm on their positions that the package did not go far enough to protect workers.

“They’re throwing caution to the wind for average workers and people on Main Street and going balls to the wall for people on Wall Street,” said moderate Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

Progressive senator, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said, “They’re trying to advance a proposal that would be great for giant corporations and leave everyone else behind.”

Talks about a new version of the aid package are expected to begin immediately.

For more on COVID-19, see our special coverage.

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