Democrats block advancement of critical economic relief package

Senate Democrats Sunday blocked a critical economic relief package worth more than $2 trillion, stalling plans to pass the bill by Monday and send it to the House.

Lawmakers and the Trump administration hoped to send a positive message to unstable stock markets and to those worried about the damage to the economy and job losses caused by the spread of the virus.

The measure includes sending direct cash payments that would average about $3,000 per family and expanding unemployment insurance, as well as $350 billion in aid to struggling small businesses. It also provides $500 billion in loans to industries hurt by the economic slowdown.

But Democrats are holding out for big changes to the bill, which they argue creates a "slush fund" for big industries and lacks sufficient protections for workers. They voted against a procedural step to start debate on the bill, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hoped to pass by Monday.

McConnell, visibly angry on the Senate floor, entered a motion to reconsider the measure and said he'd bring it up again for a vote by Monday.

"We'll have this ... vote again at some point of my choosing, and hopefully, some adults will show up on the other side of the room and understand the gravity of the situation and the need to act before the markets go down further and the American people become even more depressed about our lack of ability to come together under the most extraordinary of circumstances," he said.

The Senate bill is the product of a day of bipartisan talks and includes many of the provisions sought by Democrats.