Democrats reject GOP plan and dig in on $3T aid package

House and Senate Democrats said they reject an opening offer from Republicans on a new coronavirus aid package, even though most of the GOP plan is still in negotiations.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Thursday the Republican plan to reduce enhanced unemployment benefits is unacceptable and the overall $1 trillion price tag of the GOP proposal falls far short of what is needed to combat the virus and its economic impact.

“They are engaged in distortions, delays, and denial,” said Pelosi, a California Democrat. “It’s very damaging to our economy, very deadly to our people.”

Democrats said they would not accept a piecemeal approach to a new round of federal funding and suggested they would not support a temporary stand-alone extension of unemployment insurance enhancements that expire this month.

“No way,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. “This is a comprehensive proposal that addresses the many problems of COVID, and we have to address it as a totality.”

Senate Republicans are preparing to release a $1 trillion package that includes funding for education and testing, as well as new direct payments to people and families. The measure is also expected to extend expanded unemployment benefits, but the GOP is determined to reduce the benefit from the current $600-per-week level because it pays many workers more to stay home than to return to their jobs.