Congress in Holding Pattern as House, Senate, and Administration Negotiators Attempt to Fashion
COVID-19 Legislative Relief Package
COVID-19 Legislative Relief Package
Monday, August 3, 2020
After a busy week last week, during which the House passed four bills and Congress held six hearings that either focused or touched on immigration or refugees, Congress will be in a bit of a holding pattern during the week of August 3, 2020, with much of the action taking place behind the scenes.
The big behind-the-scenes this week will be the negotiations taking place involving the House and Senate Democratic Leadership, the Senate Republican Leadership, and the Trump Administration to reach an agreement on the terms of the next COVID-19 relief legislation. Democrats are seeking enactment of a $3 TRILLION package that includes assistance to individuals, businesses, and state and local government, as well as funding for election administration, funding for the U.S. postal service, and provisions assisting immigrants. The White House and congressional Republicans are seeking enactment of a much smaller, $1 TRILLION package that includes much smaller enhanced federal unemployment compensation; less aid to state and local governments; and COVID-19-related liability protections for employers.
The big behind-the-scenes this week will be the negotiations taking place involving the House and Senate Democratic Leadership, the Senate Republican Leadership, and the Trump Administration to reach an agreement on the terms of the next COVID-19 relief legislation. Democrats are seeking enactment of a $3 TRILLION package that includes assistance to individuals, businesses, and state and local government, as well as funding for election administration, funding for the U.S. postal service, and provisions assisting immigrants. The White House and congressional Republicans are seeking enactment of a much smaller, $1 TRILLION package that includes much smaller enhanced federal unemployment compensation; less aid to state and local governments; and COVID-19-related liability protections for employers.
As far as the week beginning August 3rd is concerned, from the perspective of those interested in migration policy, the week's legislative schedule includes three hearings (one of which is occurring in the House and the other two in the Senate); no substantive markup sessions, and possible floor action in the Senate on a COVID-19 relief bill.
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