McConnell and Pelosi Debate the Need Yet for Fifth Coronavirus Relief Bill
John Locher / AP
We ran the numbers: There are 2214 news articles covering this topic. 27% (606) are left leaning, 47% (1041) center, 26% (567) right leaning.
On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that there isn’t yet a need for Congress to pass additional coronavirus relief legislation, while House Democrats are pushing forward with a fifth round. While left-leaning articles highlight that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to finalize the multitrillion-dollar coronavirus relief package, right-leaning articles highlight that the GOP wants to pump the breaks on spending.
A left-leaning article by Politico highlights that Pelosi wants to finalize a multi trillion-dollar coronavirus relief package, as she has been participating in hours-long phone calls with the full caucus and separate briefings with moderate and progressive lawmakers. However, there are concerns among the Democrats over the bill, as many are skittish of a giant, kitchen-sink bill that would force a party-line vote that could fuel GOP attacks ahead of the November elections.
A centrist article by The Hill reports that McConnell’s comments follow him calling for a “pause” before any additional coronavirus stimulus legislation so lawmakers can figure out what has and what hasn’t worked. White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow also indicated late last week that formal talks were likely paused until early June.
Fox News published a right-leaning article highlighting that the centerpiece of the fifth round of the House coronavirus legislation will be funding for state governments, which could reach nearly $1 trillion. However, this comes as some GOP leaders are looking to pump the brakes on spending, as prior relief bills have already prompted the U.S. Treasury to borrow a record $3 trillion this quarter.