Congressional Democrats ‘go big’ with fresh $3 trillion coronavirus stimulus plan — GOP in no rush to act

In this Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, file photo, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of California, joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks during a news conference, on Capitol Hill, in Washington.(Alex Brandon/AP)

When it comes to the next coronavirus stimulus package, Nancy and Chuck are planning to “go big” — but Republicans are tapping the brakes.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a fresh $3 trillion coronavirus aid package Tuesday, bulging with another $1,200 for individuals, $200 billion in hazard pay for essential workers and a 10-figure rescue line for hard-hit cities and states like New York.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives plans to return to Washington, D.C., to pass the measure as soon as Friday.

Despite Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s backing, the bill is unlikely to pass the Senate anytime soon.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnnell said there is “no urgency" to act even as unemployment spikes above 15% and 80,000 Americans have died.

He derided the House bill as a “big laundry list of pet priorities.” The Senate plans to go on recess till after Memorial Day, leading Pelosi to lash out at the GOP.

“To those who would suggest a pause, I would say the hunger doesn’t take a pause, the rent doesn’t take a pause,” Pelosi said late Monday on MSNBC. “We have a big need. It’s monumental.”

The new so-called Heroes Act effectively doubles the massive stimulus plans that have been passed so far with near-unanimous bipartisan support in Congress and from President Trump.

The bill provides nearly $1 trillion for states, cities and tribal governments to avert layoffs and another $200 billion in “hazard pay” for essential workers, according to a summary. It will offer $1,200 direct cash aid to individuals, up to $6,000 per household. There is also $75 billion more for virus testing.

Its centerpiece is the big bucks for local governments like New York city and state that are struggling to avoid layoffs in the face of skyrocketing health care costs and plummeting tax receipts during the economic shutdown.

On a conference call with House colleagues Monday, Pelosi urged Democrats to “go big,” according to person unauthorized to discuss the private caucus call and granted anonymity.

One provision holding up the package is how best to funnel direct cash to households. Progressive Democrats want to provide three-months of guaranteed paychecks for those making less than $100,000 a year.

McConnell said he has been in close contact with the White House, assessing the aid Congress has already approved in response to the virus outbreak and next steps.

Trump is expected to meet Tuesday with a group of Senate Republicans.“

If we decide to go forward, we’ll go forward together,” McConnell said. His priority is to ensure any new package includes liability protections for health care providers and businesses that are reopening.

Senate Republicans are not expected to act on any further aid until after the Memorial Day recess, according to a senior Republican aide unauthorized to discuss the planning and granted anonymity.

The Senate is set to recess at the end of next week for a previously scheduled break, with senators scheduled to return June 1.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that if Trump and congressional Republicans “slow walk” more aid they will be repeating President Herbert Hoover’s “tepid” response to the Great Depression.

“It should be big and it should be bold,” Schumer said Monday.