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As Congress remains deadlocked over a new coronavirus relief package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday suggested that Democrats would refuse any offer below $2.2 trillion.
"When we go into a negotiation it's about the allocation of the resources," the California congresswoman told reporters. "But it's hard to see how we can go any lower when you only have greater needs."
In May, the Democratic-controlled House passed the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which included a second round of $1,200 stimulus checks and extended the $600 unemployment benefits. Senate Republicans blocked the legislation, calling it a "wish list" over the price tag attached. Two months later, GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the White House proposed the $1 trillion HEALS Act, which also included a second round of direct payments.
Both sides of the aisle support more checks to Americans, but neither parties have signaled much willingness to seriously compromise on the cost of overall spending. Democrats have blamed the GOP for failing to offer sufficient funding to tackle the pandemic and Republicans have accused Democrats of using COVID to further their political agenda.
Here's a look back at what Pelosi has said over the past few weeks about stimulus checks and another relief bill as the global coronavirus pandemic continues through September without an approved vaccine.
September 16
President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Republicans to go for the "larger amount" that includes $1,200 stimulus checks. His stance on the matter is expected as another round of direct payments would likely help his chances of re-election in November.
Pelosi reminded Republicans and Trump that a deal would need to have more than just "Trump checks."
"All they want is to have the President's name on a check going out. That's all he really cares about," she said. "We have to do more than just have the Republicans check a box."
The House Speaker also dismissed a new relief framework introduced by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which proposed a slimmed-down $1.52 trillion. While $1,200 stimulus checks were included, Pelosi stood firm behind her decision to hold out for a larger price tag for the overall relief package.
September 15
Pelosi on Tuesday indicated that Democrats could delay an October recess to continue negotiations with Republicans on the relief package. "We are committed to staying here until we have an agreement," she said on CNBC, adding that further disagreements have delayed a deal.
September 8
Pelosi and Democrats quickly knocked back a GOP-introduced "targeted" bill that allocated a few hundred billion to federal aid but left out a second round of stimulus checks.
"As they scramble to make up for this historic mistake, Senate Republicans appear dead-set on another bill which doesn't come close to addressing the problems and is headed nowhere," the House Speaker said.
August 30
After a short break, Pelosi and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows resumed negotiations over a package that would include direct payments. But again, the talks failed.
"We have said again and again that we're willing to meet them in the middle—$2.2 trillion. When they're willing to do that, we'll be willing to discuss the particulars," Pelosi later told reporters.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged the "stalemate."
August 12
Last month, Pelosi warned Republicans that more "people will die" if they didn't meet Democrats at the negotiating table. She also expressed hope that a deal wouldn't drag into September, but noted that both sides were "miles apart" in their values and positions.
"We told them we will go down a trillion if you go up a trillion for the children," she said. "But until they're ready to do that, it's no use sitting in a room and let them tell us that states should go bankrupt."
The Democrat explained that her party has already compromised. "Repeatedly, we have made clear to the Trump Admin that we are willing to come down $1 trillion if they will come up $1 trillion," she said. "However, it is clear that the Admin still does not grasp the magnitude of the problems that American families are facing."
Newsweek reached out to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office for comment.
