Lawmakers may return to Washington, D.C., this week to consider a massive spending measure that would replenish a small business aid program helping to prop up the economy during the coronavirus crisis.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer informed House lawmakers they might be summoned back to Congress as early as April 22 to consider the measure, which is not finalized but is nearing completion, according to administration officials and congressional leaders in both parties. Hoyer told lawmakers “a recorded vote is likely,” which means a quorum of members must be in the House to vote on the bill.
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The House and Senate are not scheduled to return to the Capitol until May 4, but the extent of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus has drained a $350 billion program providing aid to small businesses shuttered by the outbreak.
Democrats, Republicans, and the White House have been negotiating a new package to replenish the program. The new spending deal is worth about $400 billion, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN on Sunday.
Lawmakers in both chambers had hoped to pass the new spending package without requiring lawmakers to return to the Capitol. The Trump administration has issued social distancing guidelines until April 30, and many states have given stay-at-home orders lasting into May and June.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, is likely to block the House from passing the bill by unanimous consent or by voice vote, which do not require a quorum of lawmakers to vote in-person. Massie and other lawmakers want Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow remote voting rather than simply pass a major bill without lawmakers registering their support or opposition.
“Members are further advised that at this time, a recorded vote on the interim legislation is likely in the House this week,” Hoyer told lawmakers Sunday. “Members will be given sufficient notice about the exact timing of any votes and when they will need to return to Washington, D.C.”
President Trump and Mnuchin held a conference call with Republican lawmakers the same day and said a deal is near on the package.
Mnuchin told Republicans he’s still negotiating with Democrats on additional funding for coronavirus testing. Democratic demands for $150 billion in additional state and local funding, as well as a 15% increase for food stamps, will not be included in the bill, Mnuchin told lawmakers.
“Leader McConnell closed the call by saying legislative text and a scheduling update will be provided as quickly as possible,” a senior GOP leadership aide said.
Mnuchin told CNN the deal will include $300 billion for small business aid, $75 billion for hospitals and medical facilities, and $25 billion for states to invest in coronavirus testing.
“I’m hopeful that we can reach an agreement, that the Senate can pass this tomorrow, and that the House can take it up on Tuesday, and Wednesday, we’d be back up and running,” he said on State of the Union.
The Senate is scheduled to hold a pro-forma session on Monday and could pass the measure by unanimous consent or voice vote, unless a lawmaker objects.
The next pro-forma session in the House is scheduled for Tuesday, April. 21, but with Massie’s looming objection, it’s not likely Democrats who run the chamber would be able to pass the small business aid legislation if it is sent over by the Senate.
