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No Stimulus Deal: Senators Leave Washington For Summer Recess

This article is more than 3 years old.

The Senate officially adjourned today — without a stimulus deal.

Here’s what you need to know.

Stimulus Update

After Congress could not finalize a stimulus deal, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said the Senate will adjourn today. Here’s the latest on what this means and what happens next.


Why did the Senate adjourn?

The Senate adjourned for summer recess. The summer recess officially began after August 7, but McConnell extended the Senate’s sessions through today in hopes of finalizing a stimulus package. Without a deal, the Senate adjourned and senators will depart Washington, D.C. “We will have our regular pro forma meetings through the end of the state work period,” McConnell said. “If the Speaker of the House and the minority leader of the Senate decide to finally let another package move forward, it would take bipartisan consent to meet for legislative business sooner than scheduled,” McConnell said.


Is the House of Representatives in session?

No, the House of Representatives adjourned on July 31, 2020.


When is Congress back in session?

The Senate will next be in session on September 8, 2020. The House of Representatives will next be in session on September 14, 2020.


What happens between then and now?

Congress could still reach a stimulus deal in the interim before September, although the chances are slim. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows are representing Republicans and the White House in discussions with Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) are representing Democrats.


Are there active meetings now to finalize a stimulus bill?

No, there are no active, ongoing meetings to finalize a stimulus bill. The lead negotiators last met on Friday, August 7. Mnuchin also called Pelosi on Wednesday. It’s unclear when they will meet again.


Can a stimulus bill be announced before September 8?

While it’s possible that Congress could finalize a stimulus bill before September 8, it’s unlikely. If there is a stimulus deal, expect it to be after September 8 at the earliest. That said, members of the Congress have been told they would have at least 24 hours to return to Washington to vote on any stimulus package. (To cast a vote, members of Congress must vote in person).


What are the key differences for the stimulus package?

Democrats want at least $3 trillion of federal spending in the next stimulus, although Pelosi offered to cut that figure to $2 trillion, if Republicans agree. Republicans rejected the Democrats’ proposal and are holding at $1 trillion of federal spending, as they have articulated in their proposed stimulus package, the Heals Act. Here are some other areas, among others, that remain unsettled:

  • State and local funding
  • Liability protection
  • Unemployment benefits
  • School funding

Absent Congress approving a stimulus package, President Donald Trump’s executive actions will be the only potential financial relief for unemployment benefits, eviction protection, a payroll tax cut and student loan relief.


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