One Democratic Senator From Virginia Almost Derails The Entire COVID-19 Bill
Written by Site Hub on March 6, 2021
The COVID-19 relief bill was stopped in its tracks by West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin on Friday because of a policy dispute.
The dispute broke the delicate balance needed to push the bill through the senate until a huge argument came to a conclusion behind the scenes. Manchin signed on to support the bill after a last minute deal was reached between him and Biden himself.
The policy that stopped everything in its tracks was related to the unemployment benefits. The Democrats were forced to offer an amendment that would change the program and extend the unemployment insurance through September 6 at a rate of $300 / week.
The 8 hour hold up really highlights how delicate the power balance is between the two parties in the Senate.
Manchin gave a statement on Friday evening, saying:
“We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with unexpected tax bills next year.”
Source:
CNN
