House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is weighing in with her concerns about the Senate Republicansâ reportedly proposed $100 per week extension for enhanced unemployment benefits amid the coronavirus pandemic.
For weeks now, Republican lawmakers have sought to decrease the $600 per week payment for enhanced unemployment. While they are currently discussing an array of alternatives to extend payments, reports on the $100 per week proposal have garnered attention and concern.
During an appearance on CNBCâs âMad Moneyâ Wednesday, host Jim Cramer asked Pelosi about the sharp reduction Republican lawmakers are proposing.
âMadam Speaker, our own Kayla Tausche reported earlier today that the Republicans are now â have now lowered the amount that they are willing to accept to $400 a month, thatâs $100 a week. Is there any way thatâs acceptable to you?â Cramer asked.
The Democratic lawmaker admitted the amount is unacceptable, as she explained why the $600/week is economically ârelative.â
âNo,â Pelosi said of the proposed weekly amount, adding, âI donât know that they have gone to that place.â
She added, âAnd the $600 is relative. In some places, itâs a matter of economic survival and other places, it makes â itâs a sweetener. But we have to have the same amount in the whole country because, otherwise, itâs an administrative headache.â
Pelosi went on to note Republicansâ apprehension to spend money when it comes to the American people.
âWe think there should be a floor for Americaâs working families and that we should not be firing those that are meeting the needs of the American people because we donât want to spend â some of the Republicans on the Senate side donât want to spend the money,â she said.
The top Democrat also stressed how critical it is for lawmakers to focus on the bigger issue Americans are faced with â uncertainty. Pelosi explained how American workersâ fear of uncertainty is no different that uncertainty in business.
âWe should not be quibbling over $200, $400 or $600 when people are in desperate need and have great uncertainty. You know how the markets and the business community doesnât like uncertainty? We shouldnât inject uncertainty further into the lives of Americaâs working families.â
See Pelosiâs remarks below:
Pelosiâs remarks came shortly after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) unveiled a preview of the next coronavirus relief proposal on Tuesday.
According to McConnell, the new bill will likely include funding for schools expanded testing capacity, small business, unemployment benefits, and another round of direct payments to American workers will also be included.
Lawmakers have not yet passed any proposals for the upcoming stimulus. However, Pelosi is hopeful lawmakers will reach a bipartisan agreement.
âWell, letâs just hope that we will,â Pelosi said. âThere are many days â a few days left in this week. ⌠During that time we hope to see a proposal in writing from the Republicans as to what their priorities are and how much theyâre willing to invest in the well-being of the American people.â
