McConnell Slams Dem Coronavirus Bill As “Ideological Wish List”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has slammed legislation introduced by House Democrats to tackle coronavirus as an “ideological wish list” which he vowed to block because it creates a “needless thicket of bureaucracy.”

“Instead of focusing on immediate relief to affected individuals, families and businesses, the House Democrats chose to wander into various areas of policy that are barely related, if at all, to the issue before us.” he said.

McConnell said that instead he wants a smaller, non-controversial coronavirus response package.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) also signaled his opposition to the Democratic proposal.

House Democrats are hoping to vote for their economic stimulus bill on Thursday, which would include provisions that mandate paid sick leave for workers, provide over $1 billion in aid to state and local governments for food programs and unemployment. 

The new Dem plan rests on four principles:

* Anyone who needs a test must get it
* Aid must be targeted to most vulnerable
* We need a much stronger safety net
* Our biggest problem is the virus is already here and spreading

Rs reject these, apparently.https://t.co/tvzeVp4Uif

— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) March 12, 2020

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said on Thursday morning that the House is still working with the Trump administration and a vote on the bill is still possible later in the day.

“Further information regarding the exact timing of votes will be announced as soon as it becomes available,” he said.