Expanded Unemployment Runs Out Soon — Republicans And Democrats Are Split About Extending It

TOPLINE

With over 33 million Americans joining the ranks of the unemployed in the last seven weeks, Congress will need to decide soon whether it will continue the $600 expanded unemployment program set to expire by the end of July as it begins debate on a fourth major coronavirus stimulus bill. 

KEY FACTS

Crucial quote

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), one of the chief architects of the expanded unemployment in the last major stimulus bill, told the New York Times that he believed the program would need to be re-upped at the end of July. 

“I think there is going to be a need based on the economic conditions at the end of July for the workers to get an additional boost,” Wyden said.

What to watch for

The price tag. Republicans, typically wary of big government spending, have backed funding big stimulus programs since the outbreak began but may show discomfort at the price tag of the next bill. The $2 trillion spending bill passed the Senate unanimously, 96-0, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pressuring Republicans to fall in line.

This time around, McConnell, and other Republicans, are hitting the pause button.

“I think it’s also time to begin to think about the amount of debt we’re adding to our country and the future impact of that,” McConnell said on April 22. “Let’s weigh this very carefully because the future of our country in terms of the amount of debt that we’re adding up is a matter of genuine concern.”

Key background

Still, most lawmakers from both parties agree that more aid is needed to address the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, even after Congress passed a sweeping $2 trillion aid package at the end of March. Democrats — and even President Trump — have expressed interest in sending more money to Americans, arguing the $1200 cash payments millions received under the last bill aren’t enough. One of Democrats’ top priorities will be aid for state and local governments, which have lost significant tax revenue as a result of the pandemic, and hospitals. Trump has been particularly keen on including a payroll tax cut in any next stimulus bill, a priority Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin reiterated on Sunday. McConnell and some other Republicans want to include liability protections for employers.  

Further reading

New Proposal Would Extend $600 Unemployment Benefit Indefinitely Until Coronavirus Crisis Ends (Forbes)

Jobless Aid Fuels Partisan Divide Over Next Pandemic Rescue Package (New York Times)

Trump Signs $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill Into Law, Largest Aid Package In U.S. History (Forbes)

Pelosi endorses using automatic stabilizers to keep coronavirus relief flowing (Roll Call)

More Direct Payments And State And Local Aid: Here’s What Might Be In The Next Stimulus Bill (Forbes)