Lawmakers are closing in on a proposed COVID-19 relief bill that would provide $300 in extra federal weekly unemployment benefits, .
The $908 billion aid package will be attached to a larger year-end spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown this coming weekend.
Senators involved in the talks said the checks won’t be included as part of the compromise, as Republicans are putting firm limits on the bill’s final price tag.
“The $1,200 check, it cost we believe nationally $300 billion to give you an idea,” said Bernie Sanders. “The Democrats have always wanted a larger number, but we were told we couldn’t get anything through the Republicans, except this $900 billion level.”
The plan is less than half of the Democrats’ push of $2.2 trillion and nearly double the $500 billion “targeted” package proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“This is not a stimulus bill, it’s a relief bill,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La said. “And it’s something for the next three to four months to help those in greatest need.”
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