Gov’t Focused on Race, Policing; July Could Be Busy Aid Month

L . Thomas Block

Washington remains focused on the issues of race and policing that have gripped the nation since the killing of George Floyd three weeks ago. In the past week Federal Reserve Chairman Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have both spoken of the need for another round of stimulus.

Meanwhile, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the House passed package but also concedes that another coronavirus relief bill is likely in July. However, earlier talk of a bill by July 4 has generally been sidelined by the positive May jobs report and initial steps towards a broader economic recovery.

Secretary Mnuchin specifically mentioned another round of stimulus checks as an action that may be appropriate. Others, especially from states with the highest unemployment, are focused on the supplemental unemployment benefit that expires at the end of July.

The bill approved by the House contains both programs, but there is a view among Senate Republicans that the eventual package should be at the $1 trillion level rather than the $3 trillion passed by the Democratic House.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is likely to bring the House back into session in the coming two weeks, as she would like the House to pass its police reform package prior to July 4. This could give the House and Senate the opportunity to begin talks on a coronavirus relief package, though the Senate is unlikely to bring any bill to the floor until members return from their July 4 break on July 20.

July could be a busy period of work on both a relief package and the FY 2021 budget.

At present both bodies will be in session for three weeks prior to their August break that will begin August 7.

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L . Thomas Block
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