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Added on the 03/10/2020 12:35:03 - Copyright : Wochit
President Donald Trump has changed his thinking, and now says he wants a big stimulus bill passed before the general election on November 3rd. Fed Chair Jay Powell also wants to see one passed and has warned that without one, the US economy's recovery will surely falter. But the Republican-led Senate hasn't passed a new coronavirus relief bill since April 21st, and shows little signs of doing so before the election. According to Business Insider, the GOP is far more concerned with getting the Supreme Court tilted to the right by having Amy Coney Barrett confirmed. For more than five months, Congress has held up a comprehensive stimulus package for tens of millions of Americans and left them in limbo. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants a so-called 'skinny' bill, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding out for far more for the American worker.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett is to be the next Supreme Court Justice, filling the seat left by the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Business Insider reports the Senate on Monday voted to confirm Coney Barrett along party lines in a 52-48 vote. Only one Republican, US Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, voted against Barrett's nomination. The 48-year-old was confirmed just eight days before Election Day, and to vociferous opposition from Senate Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Sunday celebrated Barrett's impending confirmation. This is something to really be proud of and feel good about. We made an important contribution to the future of this country. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Despite US President Donald Trump's vocal push for a new COVID-19 stimulus package, it appears unlikely that one will come before Election Day. On Tuesday, Business Insider reports Trump signaled he wanted an ever-larger deal than the $2.2 trillion bill proposed by House Democrats. But according to Business Insider, Senate Republicans are skeptical that anything is going to happen anytime soon. It's getting to be toward the last minute. And the clock keeps ticking away. And I'm not optimistic about us doing anything. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)Chairman, Senate Appropriations Committee Furthermore, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pushed for a far slimmer package than Democrats and the president. The GOP has prioritized Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett over economic relief for Americans. But on Tuesday, Trump phoned in to 'Fox and Friends' to say he wants a stimulus program even larger than the Democrats' proposed $2.2 trillion package.
Democratic senators are fuming over Republican South Carolina Senator Judge Lindsay Graham's refusal to take a COVID-19 test. Democratic Judiciary Committee senators warned him not to proceed with the Supreme Court nomination hearing next week for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. According to Business Insider, the letter said in part, 'We need not proceed in such a reckless and blind fashion.' Graham's decision threatened to scuttle the debate with Democratic opponent Jamie Harrison. Harrison said he would not debate in Graham in person if the incumbent did not get tested.
US Attorney General William Barr was potentially exposed to the novel coronavirus at a White House reception where attendees didn't wear masks. However, Business Insider reports Barr has refused to self-quarantine. The September 26 reception for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett has since been identified as a possible superspreader event. That designation came after several Republican lawmakers and White House associates announced they had tested positive for coronavirus. Others present who now have COVID-19 are President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, two GOP senators, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
U.S. President Barack Obama attends an outdoor arrival ceremony in heavy rain, as the first sitting U.S. president to visit Laos. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).