Senate Considers Phase 3, Aims for Passage As Soon As
Possible
With more states issuing orders for residents to stay at home
and businesses to close, the Senate failed to agree to a procedural
motion on Phase 3 of the emergency economic relief package for the
country, forcing negotiators back to the table with only one day
left to meet the self-imposed deadline set by Secretary Mnuchin and
Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY).
On Thursday, March 19, Leader McConnell unveiled an initial proposal for Phase 3 of
the Coronavirus response, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act. Following two days of bipartisan negotiations, he
offered up a revised Phase 3 package, which incorporates some key
Democratic priorities, such as $100 billion for hospitals and $250
million to strengthen state unemployment insurance programs.