Senators from both sides of aisle still want fixes.
Problems exist with a drafting error on the coronavirus stimulus package that would encourage layoffs and risk life-threatening consequences to critical industries.
Senators Tim Scott of South Carolina, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina issued a statement that said, “A massive drafting error in the current version of the coronavirus relief legislation could have devastating consequences. Unless the bill is fixed, there is a strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work.
“This isn’t an abstract, philosophical point—it’s an immediate real-world problem. If the federal government accidentally incentivizes layoffs, we risk life-threatening shortages in sectors where doctors, nurses and pharmacists are trying to care for the sick, and where growers and grocers, truckers and cooks are trying to get food to families’ tables.
“This isn’t who we are as Americans; this isn’t what we do in a crisis. We must sadly oppose the fast-tracking of this bill until this text is addressed, or the Department of Labor issue regulatory guidance that no American would earn more by not working than by working.”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said he might torpedo the package unless Republican senators drop their objections about what they called a “massive drafting error” related to employment, as outlined above. “In my view, it would be an outrage to prevent working-class Americans to receive he emergency unemployment assistance included in this legislation,” Sanders said in a statement.
An objection by a single senator would prevent the Senate from quickly passing the bill by unanimous consent, although it remained possible the chamber could pass the legislation by voice vote or roll-call vote.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Senate to work through the “drafting error” issue in the Senate relief bill, and forward the legislation to the House of Representatives.
- For American workers to be treated fairly through the provisions of the bill.
Sources: Roll Call, Fox News
