GOP Leaders Dismiss House Coronavirus Relief Bill

Washington Post: “House Democrats released a package of economic measures late Wednesday that included a $2 billion boost to state unemployment insurance programs, more than $1 billion in nutritional aid, a new paid leave benefit for employees affected by the outbreak, and an increase in federal Medicaid spending, as well as a guarantee of free coronavirus testing.”

“But that package met a frosty reception from the White House and congressional Republicans, who were wary of the bill’s costs and its potential burdens on employers. Many openly feared a reprise of the 2009 fiscal stimulus package passed during the global financial crisis, which GOP lawmakers slammed as a wasteful measure that was more about advancing Democratic priorities than boosting the economy.”