Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Congress Continues To Reach For Accord On Stimulus
The New York Times: This Week Will Be Decisive In Determining Whether Congress Passes A Stimulus Deal Before The End Of The Year.
Congress will reconvene on Monday for a make-or-break week in the effort to deliver badly needed relief to Americans and an economy hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic before the Christmas holidays. After months of impasse, lawmakers are now staring down a Friday deadline to complete a must-pass government funding bill to which they hope to attach new money for small businesses, unemployed Americans, the airline and restaurant industries, and schools. Many of the relief programs created this year are set to expire next week, putting millions of Americans at risk of losing government support as the health crisis continues in their communities. (12/13)
Politico: Bipartisan Group To Offer 2-Part Coronavirus Relief Package
A bipartisan group of senators is expected to introduce a $908 billion coronavirus relief bill as soon as Monday, with a twist: The deal is expected to be split into two pieces, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. One would be a $748 billion piece of coronavirus relief with less controversial items like schools and health care; the other would marry $160 billion in money for local governments with a temporary liability shield. (McCaskill and Everett, 12/13)
The Wall Street Journal: Congress Eyes Targeted Coronavirus Aid For Small Businesses
Lawmakers considering a fresh round of financial aid for small businesses are focusing on firms with fewer employees that could show they have been hurt by the pandemic-triggered downturn, addressing criticisms that dogged the Paycheck Protection Program. “Let us target the program to the smaller of the small businesses. Let’s make sure it’s based upon need, so that we get to the small businesses that really need help,” said Sen. Ben Cardin (D., Md.), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, during a Congressional hearing last week. (Omeokwe, 12/13)
