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KUNC is here to keep you up-to-date on the news about COVID-19 — the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — Colorado's response to its spread in our state and its impact on Coloradans.

Sen. Chris Coons On A Coronavirus Rescue Package

Sen. Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, walks through the halls of Congress.
Sen. Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, walks through the halls of Congress.

Senate Republicans have tried and failed twice to advance a two trillion dollar stimulus package in response to coronavirus. They say the measure will cushion COVID-19’s economic blow.  

But Democrats say the bill gives too much unregulated cash to corporations.  

But last night, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he and the White House are “very, very close” to a coronavirus response deal.

Here are some details on the package from The Washington Post:

Overall, the legislation is aimed at flooding the economy with capital to revive businesses and households that have been knocked off course by fears about the virus’s rapid spread. Though details remained fluid, the legislation would include direct payments of $1,200 to many American adults and $500 to children, and would create roughly $850 billion in loan and assistance programs for businesses, states and cities. There would also be large spending increases for the unemployment insurance program, as well as hospitals and health-care providers that are being overwhelmed by the crisis.

The Senate has been personally affected by the crisis as well. Over the weekend, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said he tested positive for coronavirus, though a statement from his office said Paul was “feeling fine.”

Senator Chris Coons, D-Del., joins us to give us the inside scoop on the progress of the deal and how senators are coping with the crisis.

 

 

Copyright 2020 WAMU 88.5. To see more, visit WAMU 88.5.

Paige Osburn
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