House Democrats are rolling out plans for a big “Phase 4” economic relief package, but Republicans warn they won’t support legislation that simply incorporates the Democratic party agenda, including green energy initiatives and mail-in ballots for federal elections.
“As the legislation from the first three phases is implemented, Republicans stand ready to work across the aisle to support the individuals and institutions that will need more help in the fight against the virus,” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, said in a statement Wednesday. “But the American people cannot afford the distraction of continued attempts to force partisan objectives into our response.”
Democrats told reporters in a conference call Wednesday they plan to include a $760 billion infrastructure proposal in a new economic relief bill that would respond to the impact of the coronavirus. The infrastructure plan, drafted by House Democrats, includes green energy initiatives that are a priority for the party, such as a transition to renewables and more high-speed rail and electric vehicles.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio of Oregon said the nation’s infrastructure must be rebuilt “in a way that looks to the future, the 21st century, and also deals with climate change and carbon pollution at the same time.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said the measure could also include election reform language, such as a mail-in ballot requirement for federal elections.
“Vote by mail is so important to, again, our democracy so that people have access to voting and not be deterred, especially at this time by the admonition to stay home,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi said the House plan would include money to bail out the U.S. Postal Service, which is deeply in debt.
Republicans so far warn that Democrats are not crafting a bipartisan measure and will face opposition.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said he wanted to first see the impact of the latest economic relief package, which cost $2.2 trillion and was just signed into law.
McCarthy suggested Democrats were proposing legislation that is unrelated to the coronavirus crisis.
“Offsetting the carbon footprint of airplanes, remaking our energy grid, or changing election laws, as Democrats have suggested, have nothing to do with our war against the disease,” McCarthy said. “This isn’t a time to attempt to reshape American life through the eyes of one political party. This is a crisis that demands a bipartisan commitment to focus and execute on behalf of every American affected.”
Pelosi said she hoped to have a package ready for consideration when the House returns for business as early as April 20. Pelosi said Democrats would attempt to make the measure “as bipartisan as possible.”
House Democrats can pass a measure without Republicans because they control the majority. But their bill cannot clear the Senate unless it meets the approval of Republicans, who control that chamber. McConnell has already warned he won’t take up House legislation to address the coronavirus that incorporates parts of the Democratic party agenda that would not win GOP approval.
