Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) offered a glimpse into the level of division between Republican lawmakers as he revealed over a third of Republican senators are not likely to vote on any coronavirus package.
During a radio interview with Kentucky radio station WHAS on Friday, McConnell discussed the HEALS Act and the interparty division they are facing in trying to pass another coronavirus relief package.
When asked about the senators refusing to vote for anything, McConnell explained their concerns as he admitted his Republican colleaguesâ concerns have merit.
âI think there are 15-20 of my guys that are not going to vote for anything. And I think their argumentâs not irrational,â McConnell said. âItâs that weâve got a mass of debt now and they donât think we ought to pass another one of these bills. I donât agree with that. Itâs a statement of the obvious that we will not have everybody on our side.â
The top-ranking Republican lawmaker also noted another concern Republican lawmakers have regarding state and local spending.
âOne other issue that I think is noteworthy is youâve heard a lot of talk about additional assistance for state and local government,â McConnell said, adding, âAnd weâve very skeptical about that because according to the Treasury Department, as of June 30 of this year⌠the state administration and the city approval administration have not sent 94% of the money has been sent down.â
See McConnellâs remarks below:
Listen to âMitch McConnell on all aspects of the HEALS Actâ on Spreaker.
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Noting funds in states, McConnell insists Republican lawmakers are not convinced passing another bill would be based on a âreal demonstrative need.â
âWe want to see some real demonstrative need before doing another slug of money for state and local government,â McConnell said. âWe sent âem $150 billion in the CARES Act a few months ago and theyâve not used 94% of that in our state.â
According to McConnell, there is very little âmovementâ regarding the negotiations for the next coronavirus stimulus package.
McConnell said, âI can tell you at the moment thereâs not much movement.â
Congressional Democrats are set to meet with two of President Donald Trumpâs top aides on Saturday in an effort to negotiate a deal to pass a bill that would put more money into the United States economy.
