Increased Possibility of US Political Agreement on Economic Stimulus Bill
Trump Also Says "Will Support and Sign if Congress Agrees"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Senate Republican Leader, mentioned that an agreement on an economic stimulus bill to support economic damage caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is within reach, highlighting the possibility of a negotiation settlement.
According to U.S. media including CNBC on the 3rd, Leader McConnell said in a Senate floor speech, "In the past few days, I have seen some hopeful signs," adding, "(The Democrats) have moved in the right direction."
McConnell referred to the bipartisan $908 billion stimulus bill proposed by Democratic and Republican members of Congress, saying, "A compromise is within reach. We know where we can agree. We need to do it, and it is necessary to do so."
The political media outlet The Hill reported that although McConnell made hopeful remarks about the negotiations, he did not indicate that he would abandon his proposed $500 billion stimulus plan or accept the bipartisan $908 billion proposal.
McConnell was not the only one suggesting the possibility of an agreement that day. President Donald Trump also expressed his intention to sign the stimulus bill if it passes Congress after the Medal of Freedom ceremony. When asked if he would support the agreement, President Trump clearly stated, "Yes."
Following the Democrats' retreat from their initially insisted $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, the remarks by McConnell and President Trump were interpreted as signals that the Republicans would not delay the agreement by insisting on a $500 billion stimulus plan.
McConnell's phone call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the same day also raised expectations for a stimulus package agreement. According to CNBC, this was the first discussion about the stimulus package between the two representatives of the U.S. Senate and House since the presidential election.
Drew Hammill, Speaker Pelosi's spokesperson, stated on Twitter that the two shared a commitment to complete the COVID stimulus package and budget as soon as possible.
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