House Democrats Set to Unveil Their Stimulus Plan Tuesday

(Bloomberg) -- House Democrats plan to finish a draft of their virus relief bill on Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said, setting up a vote on Friday aimed at trying to force Republicans into negotiations.

The bill will include a long list of Democratic priorities, including aid to state and local governments, more direct payments to individual, rental and mortgage assistance and funding for the U.S. Postal Service, elections and virus testing, Hoyer told reporters on a conference call.

“My expectation is that it will be ready by early this afternoon,” the Maryland Democrat said.

President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have said there’s no need to rush another stimulus until the effects of the last bill can be evaluated. But Democrats are trying to prod them into negotiations on another massive stimulus as the U.S. economy stalls out.

McConnell Tuesday called the Democratic legislation a liberal wish list that is “the wrong approach” to responding to the coronavirus pandemic. He said as more states reopen, the Senate will instead act on separate legislation intended to limit legal liability for businesses.

“Our legislation is going to create a legal safe harbor for businesses, nonprofits, governments, workers, and schools who are following public health guidelines to the best of their ability,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.

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