After a spring spate of bipartisanship in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, Congress has once again fallen into partisan deadlock. This time, over the expiration of expanded unemployment benefits and what additional relief is needed for the still-struggling economy.
Accusations are flying across Capitol Hill and down Pennsylvania Avenue. President Trump has now issued executive orders seeking to instigate immediate action and break the congressional stalemate.
A bipartisan deal is possible — but it has to be based on prioritizing support for Americans to get back to work, balanced with additional relief. That means a temporary extension of enhanced unemployment insurance at a level that more closely tracks wage replacement, funding for child care providers, and an expansion of temporary paid leave provisions.
Read Full Article »