The NPR Politics Podcast Can The GOP Unite Behind Their Coronavirus Plan?
Jul 28, 2020
Senate Republicans unveil their HEALS Act proposal, featuring direct payments and funding for schools, but party unity is shaky. Ongoing battles over unemployment benefits showcase stark divisions between parties. A staggering two trillion dollar budget gap complicates negotiations. Tensions rise over plans for a new FBI headquarters, overshadowing essential pandemic relief discussions. As internal disagreements threaten cohesive action, the GOP grapples with rising costs and public pressure for a unified response. Can they find common ground?
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HEALS Act
- Senate Republicans proposed the HEALS Act, a new pandemic relief bill.
- It includes school funding, payments to individuals, and liability protections for businesses.
Direct Payments
- The HEALS Act includes another round of direct payments to individuals.
- These payments will be $1,200, similar to the CARES Act.
Overlapping Provisions
- There's some overlap between the Republican HEALS Act and the Democrat HEROES Act, such as direct payments and extended unemployment.
- Republicans want to decrease additional unemployment payments from $600 to $200 per week.