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appalachiablue

(41,056 posts)
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 05:45 AM Aug 2020

Trump, GOP Soften On Opposition To $600 Jobless Benefit

Source: NBC Washington

Trump, GOP Soften on Opposition to $600 Jobless Benefit. The unemployment insurance is a principal element as talks continue on a COVID-19 relief bill. By Andrew Taylor and Lisa Mascaro. Published 4 hours ago. Updated 3 hours ago.

The White House and its GOP allies appear to be retreating from their opposition to a $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit that has propped up the economy and family budgets but expired Friday. President Donald Trump is eager to extend the benefit, undercutting his GOP allies on Capitol Hill who have spent considerable effort devising an alternative that could unite Republicans.

The unemployment insurance is a principal element as talks continue on a COVID-19 relief bill, which is expected to grow considerably from a $1 trillion-plus GOP draft released this week. Top Democrats announced a meeting with administration representatives for Saturday morning after Thursday night talks at the Capitol failed to produce a breakthrough.

The two sides took their case to the media Friday morning, with White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaking to reporters on short notice at the exact moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared at her weekly news conference. Meadows accused Democrats of refusing to negotiate, saying Trump has instructed him to be "aggressive and forward-leaning" in trying to extend the supplemental jobless benefit.

"Democrats have made zero offers over the last three days," said Meadows, an inexperienced negotiator and former tea party lawmaker. He said Democrats are "willing to play politics" and are acting like they "hold all the cards."...

Read more: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/trump-gop-soften-on-opposition-to-600-jobless-benefit/2378804/



With no resolution, the unemployment benefit ran out Friday and members left Washington.



40 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Trump, GOP Soften On Opposition To $600 Jobless Benefit (Original Post) appalachiablue Aug 2020 OP
. RandySF Aug 2020 #1
Cavey!!!!! BumRushDaShow Aug 2020 #3
Thank you Speaker Pelosi for fighting for families! onetexan Aug 2020 #2
The 600 while nice is unsustainable to be honest plus it's likely to anger and alienate a number of cstanleytech Aug 2020 #4
I think it should be up to $600 or a 100% of your lost salary Buckeyeblue Aug 2020 #14
Same workers who pay a shit load of taxes stop buying crap from Amazon... Bengus81 Aug 2020 #36
There is a deadly pandemic going on that's actually getting worse Withywindle Aug 2020 #37
There's a slight bending of the curve: daily new cases, 7 day moving average: down 11.8% progree Aug 2020 #38
Opening up any more will reverse that small downward trend immediately Withywindle Aug 2020 #39
"Opening up any more will reverse that small downward trend immediately" - For sure /nt progree Aug 2020 #40
I hope the shield against lawsuits doesn't make it in. MrsCoffee Aug 2020 #5
+1 appalachiablue Aug 2020 #9
We shall see, looks like POTUS realizes the need for votes appalachiablue Aug 2020 #13
Too true. nt crickets Aug 2020 #17
While also squeezing the working citizens 2naSalit Aug 2020 #22
These bills are compromises of sharply differing views of everything bucolic_frolic Aug 2020 #6
The economy did not contract 33% last quarter. It contracted at a 33% annual rate progree Aug 2020 #12
You're right, but when arguing with a MAGAt, bring big lies /nt bucolic_frolic Aug 2020 #20
I just prefer that here we not mislead our fellow progressives. And the truth is bad enough progree Aug 2020 #21
Here's a piece with clips from CNN and FOX confirming 32% drop in the second quarter bucolic_frolic Aug 2020 #24
A 4 second video clip from Fox and CNN doesn't confirm diddly squat. They are not the producers progree Aug 2020 #27
Oh, really? Because it wasn't reported that way on CNN and FOX bucolic_frolic Aug 2020 #25
This YouTube blabbermouth showed only a few seconds of clips progree Aug 2020 #26
Here is the text online version of CNN's report progree Aug 2020 #28
Here is the text online version from Fox News progree Aug 2020 #29
Thank You Speaker Pelosi, and stand your ground on it all, duforsure Aug 2020 #7
We do NOT negotiate with hostage-takers sure why not Aug 2020 #18
Where has Pelosi said she want $2,000 per month stimulus checks? Polybius Aug 2020 #30
spot polling is probably an impact. The public will squarely hold GOP and trump accountable beachbumbob Aug 2020 #8
The will change, but closer to the election in order to try and buy votes RazzleCat Aug 2020 #10
GOP have been sitting on the House's aid's package for 10 weeks ..... Iliyah Aug 2020 #11
I love the smell of right-wing desperation in the morning..... (nt) Paladin Aug 2020 #15
+1 2naSalit Aug 2020 #23
Will loan deferrals be extended in the new bill? Buckeyeblue Aug 2020 #16
Tramp and the GOP CAVED--again meow2u3 Aug 2020 #19
Any news on this today? Polybius Aug 2020 #31
What I found just now, long article. I'll check later if poss. appalachiablue Aug 2020 #32
Thank you so much! Polybius Aug 2020 #33
Maybe more succinct, but heavier GOP slant? Pelosi is The fighter!: appalachiablue Aug 2020 #34
Why should the Dems make a counter-offer? pfitz59 Aug 2020 #35

cstanleytech

(26,085 posts)
4. The 600 while nice is unsustainable to be honest plus it's likely to anger and alienate a number of
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 06:55 AM
Aug 2020

voters that are working but earning far less than that.
What needs to be done to tackle the current problem is actually a massive infrastructure bill to get more people back to work which will put more money circulating.
It also has the benefit of shoring up tons of problems we have with aging dams and bridges for example.

Buckeyeblue

(5,491 posts)
14. I think it should be up to $600 or a 100% of your lost salary
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:52 AM
Aug 2020

So if your state pays $350 and you were making $500, the fed will supliment the $150 to make up the difference.

If you made $1000 and the state pays $350, you'd get the full $600 supliment.

Bengus81

(6,907 posts)
36. Same workers who pay a shit load of taxes stop buying crap from Amazon...
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 06:58 PM
Aug 2020

When they found out that earning $10-15 billion in net revenue if your a Corporation like A means your tax rate is ZERO. I'd be more PISSED about that fact than my neighbor getting some benefit for a short period of time so they can stay in their home.

That big ass,unsustainable tax cut Corporations have enjoyed for THREE years now is hardly mentioned.

Withywindle

(9,988 posts)
37. There is a deadly pandemic going on that's actually getting worse
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 10:05 PM
Aug 2020

We need to be paying as many people as possible to stay home and minimize contact with others. We do NOT need to get people back to work right now - that will kill tens of thousands who might be spared otherwise.

Massive infrastructure bill sounds good for next year. Maybe. IF there's a vaccine and treatment. Not now.

progree

(10,864 posts)
38. There's a slight bending of the curve: daily new cases, 7 day moving average: down 11.8%
Tue Aug 4, 2020, 01:52 AM
Aug 2020

over the last 9 days

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
With 7 day moving average check box checked

7/25: 69,144
8/3: 60,953
-11.8%

New York Times has different 7 day moving average numbers
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html

7/25: 66,799
8/3: 60,188
-9.9%

Odd.

The New York Times one has mini-charts of all 50 states, so one can see which states are going up and which going down. Click on any state to see the stats and graphs for that state.

I'm *not* saying it's all OK now and we can open up some more!

Withywindle

(9,988 posts)
39. Opening up any more will reverse that small downward trend immediately
Tue Aug 4, 2020, 03:48 AM
Aug 2020

I expect that if schools are forced to open, all progress will be obliterated.

And you're right, we are in a small downward trend currently. But that improvement is very fragile and vulnerable. The person I was responding to seemed to me to be locked into an idea about employment and jobs and work that does not reflect the current reality of mortal danger. Yes, we DO want to pay people not to work. We DO want to give people enough money to cover food and rent and utilities so they DON'T have to go back to work in unsafe conditions. (And the truth is, most public-facing jobs are unsafe now).

MrsCoffee

(5,801 posts)
5. I hope the shield against lawsuits doesn't make it in.
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 07:06 AM
Aug 2020

That’s just handing businesses a license to kill employees and customers and schools to kill kids and teachers.

appalachiablue

(41,056 posts)
13. We shall see, looks like POTUS realizes the need for votes
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:36 AM
Aug 2020

'White House Willing To Cut A Stimulus Deal Without 'Liability Shield,' Breaking With McConnell', WaPo, July 31, 2020.
https://democraticunderground.com/1016264336

2naSalit

(86,071 posts)
22. While also squeezing the working citizens
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 05:49 PM
Aug 2020

financially to force them back to work unsafely out survival needs. So that's what problem they need to create nationwide right now so that dumbshit donnie can pretend to fix it and then prance around like he's a hero and get re-elected.

And people would do anything to feed their families so... the perfect nightmare.


bucolic_frolic

(42,679 posts)
6. These bills are compromises of sharply differing views of everything
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 07:17 AM
Aug 2020

Democrats must hate all the "loans" to wealthy businesses. Republicans think workers deserve 10 cents. These bills reward capital and those recently or already working for capital more than those struggling. It misses a lot of marginal self-employed people.

Did I mention we're throwing Trillions at an economy contracting 33% last quarter? Inflation will run hot and fast when things turn around. Any idea the Fed will mop this up quickly is lunacy. If they tried it would mean more recession. Powell is a crackpot.

And by the way, these bills are the biggest injection of money to the richest Americans ever. These aren't tax cuts. These are print and gift.

progree

(10,864 posts)
12. The economy did not contract 33% last quarter. It contracted at a 33% annual rate
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:33 AM
Aug 2020

(32.9%) last quarter, which is 9.5% actual contraction for the quarter (the GDP ended the quarter 9.5% below where it started the quarter). Yes, still awful. Yes, many sloppy headline writers write that it contracted 32.9% last quarter, but then in the first paragraph say that it is an annual rate.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142549435
Posts OP, #1, graphs: #22, #24.

among others.

Did I mention we're throwing Trillions at an economy contracting 33% last quarter?

progree

(10,864 posts)
21. I just prefer that here we not mislead our fellow progressives. And the truth is bad enough
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 05:26 PM
Aug 2020

for Trump (nearly a tenth of the economy wiped out in just one quarter), so why damage our credibility?

Plus, like most progressives, I strive to understand the economy. I don't want or expect to read an incorrect version of economic matters on a progressive website, even less so a deliberately incorrect one.

bucolic_frolic

(42,679 posts)
24. Here's a piece with clips from CNN and FOX confirming 32% drop in the second quarter
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 03:21 PM
Aug 2020


it was not reported as annualized, as 8% x 4. it is reported as -32% second quarter GDP

see the headlines at approx 3:10

progree

(10,864 posts)
27. A 4 second video clip from Fox and CNN doesn't confirm diddly squat. They are not the producers
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:16 PM
Aug 2020

of the GDP report. The Bureau of Economic Analysis is. Please see my #26 for the whole song and dance.



bucolic_frolic

(42,679 posts)
25. Oh, really? Because it wasn't reported that way on CNN and FOX
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 03:23 PM
Aug 2020


See the headlines at approx 3:10 on the video

progree

(10,864 posts)
26. This YouTube blabbermouth showed only a few seconds of clips
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:09 PM
Aug 2020

so I don't know what Fox or CNN said in the next breath.

In #12, I said that the media often misstates it in the headlines, but often make clear that it is an ANNUALIZED RATE in the first or 2nd line of the article. I also pointed you to posts and graphs that show that the 32.9% is an ANNUALIZED RATE -- Posts OP, #1, graphs: #22, #24 (https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142549435).

The graph in the OP at the above link is from the bea.gov, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, that is the producer of the GDP report. Notice below the graph at the right side it says "Seasonally adjusted at annual rates"

Here is from the bea.gov's news release, https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 32.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020, according to the “advance” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.


That settles the matter. As far as what the BEA's report says, it does not matter in the slightest, nor does it matter in the least, how some media outlet or YouTube pundit reports it. It only matters what the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the producers of the report, says.

progree

(10,864 posts)
28. Here is the text online version of CNN's report
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:20 PM
Aug 2020

US economy posts its worst drop on record
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/economy/us-economy-2020-second-quarter/index.html

New York (CNN Business)The US economy contracted at a 32.9% annual rate from April through June, its worst drop on record, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said Thursday.


progree

(10,864 posts)
29. Here is the text online version from Fox News
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 04:28 PM
Aug 2020
https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/second-quarter-gdp-plunges-32-9-worst-decline-on-record
Second-quarter GDP plunges 32.9%, worst decline on record

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever


Yes, yes, I see that the headline is simply misleading (frankly wrong), and that they clarified that it's an annual rate in the first line of the article. This is precisely, exactly, what I warned about in my #12 yesterday when I wrote:

Yes, many sloppy headline writers write that it contracted 32.9% last quarter, but then in the first paragraph say that it is an annual rate.

duforsure

(11,882 posts)
7. Thank You Speaker Pelosi, and stand your ground on it all,
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 07:50 AM
Aug 2020

Especially on unemployment and getting 2k per month until the virus IS contained.It will also help keep us from heading into the trump depression, and stimulate business and jobs, and anything less will put us all into one soon. Don't give in on anything, the American people are with you, and will be greatly rewarded if you do this Nov. .

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
30. Where has Pelosi said she want $2,000 per month stimulus checks?
Sun Aug 2, 2020, 11:37 PM
Aug 2020

Not saying she didn't, but I'd love to learn more.

RazzleCat

(732 posts)
10. The will change, but closer to the election in order to try and buy votes
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:29 AM
Aug 2020

Think about it, I assume that we will see another check with you know who's signature on it close to the election. I also assume that the unemployment supplement will continue but not until they can spin it as Republicans to the rescue.

Iliyah

(25,111 posts)
11. GOP have been sitting on the House's aid's package for 10 weeks .....
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:30 AM
Aug 2020

I saw this morning someone who was yelling about Democrats delaying and not agreeing with them on the aid's package.

I think majority knows who is at fault.

Buckeyeblue

(5,491 posts)
16. Will loan deferrals be extended in the new bill?
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 08:58 AM
Aug 2020

If not, delinquency rates will go through the roof. The march toward repossessions and foreclosures will start. All of this will start happening under a Biden administration.

I would insist on a delay on repossessions and foreclosures through 2021. And reinstate 2008 programs for mortgage modifications.

appalachiablue

(41,056 posts)
32. What I found just now, long article. I'll check later if poss.
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 02:41 PM
Aug 2020

Forbes, Aug. 3, 2020. Second Stimulus Package: Negotiations Continue In Congress

Editor’s note: We will update this article daily to reflect Congress’ discussions and negotiations regarding the next federal stimulus package. Last update: August 3, 2020, 1:00 PM EDT. (-> They go on a week long break Aug. 7 I think).

Time is running out for Congress to find common ground on what should be included in the second stimulus package.

The second stimulus proposal from the Senate Republicans, the Help, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act, includes multiple smaller pieces of legislation. These components would provide another round of direct stimulus payments to Americans, extend unemployment benefits, freeze Medicare premiums, offer more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding and extend liability shields for businesses facing COVID-19-related lawsuits.

The House released its own second stimulus proposal, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, in May. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the House proposal last week, calling it a “socialist manifesto.” Congress will negotiate over the measures before voting on a bill and potentially sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.

When Could the Second Stimulus Happen?...

More, https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/08/03/second-stimulus-package-negotiations-continue-in-congress/#5aaa56644441

appalachiablue

(41,056 posts)
34. Maybe more succinct, but heavier GOP slant? Pelosi is The fighter!:
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 02:59 PM
Aug 2020

'Second stimulus check updates: Coronavirus relief bill remains up in air as negotiations are slow, grinding, By ANDREW TAYLOR, Assoc. Press/ Chicago Tribune, AUG 03, 2020 AT 12:57 PM EDT

WASHINGTON — Slow, grinding negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill are set to resume Monday afternoon, but the path forward promises to be challenging and time is already growing short. Republicans are griping that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi won't drop her expansive wish list even as concerns are mounting that the White House needs to be more sure-footed in the negotiations.

Both the Trump administration negotiating team and top Capitol Hill Democrats remain far apart, and talks since Saturday — when the combatants announced modest progress — have yet to lend momentum. Both sides used television appearances over the weekend to showcase their differences. Ahead of Monday’s talks, all sides predict a long slog ahead despite the lapse of a $600-per-week supplemental COVID-19 jobless benefit, the beginning of school season and the call of lawmakers’ cherished August recess. Several more days of talks are expected, if not more. The White House is seeking opportunities to boost President Donald Trump, like another round of $1,200 stimulus payments and extending the supplemental jobless benefit and partial eviction ban. Pelosi, the top Democratic negotiator, appears intent on an agreement as well, but she's made it clear she needs big money for state and local governments, unemployment benefits, and food aid.

Appearances by the principal negotiators on Sunday's news shows featured continued political shots by White House chief of staff Mark Meadows at Pelosi for turning down a one-week extension of the $600 benefit in talks last week. Meadows, however, is understaffed during the talks and seems to struggle with his read on Pelosi. He spent much of his time on CBS’ “Face The Nation” attacking her for opposing a piecemeal approach that would revive jobless benefits immediately but leave other items like food stamps and aid to states for later legislation. She is insisting on a complete package.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is so far playing a low-profile role. But he has been a constant in negotiations in four prior COVID-19 response bills, and he is facing time pressure as an antsy Senate yearns to exit Washington. The Democratic-controlled House has left for recess and won't return until there is an agreement to vote on, but the GOP-held Senate is trapped in the capital.

Areas of agreement already include the $1,200 direct payment and changes to the Protection Program to permit especially hard-hit businesses to obtain another loan under generous forgiveness terms. But the terms and structure of the unemployment benefit remains a huge sticking point, negotiators said Sunday, and Meadows hasn't made any concessions on the almost $1 trillion Pelosi wants for state and local governments grappling with pandemic-related revenue losses.

“We still have a long ways to go,” Meadows said, adding, “I’m not optimistic that there will be a solution in the very near term.”

> Pelosi said she’d consider reducing the $600 benefit for states with lower unemployment rates. Republicans want to cut the benefit to encourage beneficiaries to return to work and say it is bad policy since it pays many jobless people more money than they made at their previous jobs. “Right now, today, we have an emergency,” Pelosi said Monday on CNN. “A building is on fire and they are deciding how much water they want to have in the bucket. This is very important to stop — millions of people could have fallen into poverty without this $600.”
Another sticking point is that Republicans want to give more school aid to systems that are restarting with in-school learning, even as Dr. Deborah Birx, Trump’s top coronavirus adviser, cautioned that schools in areas with spikes in cases should delay reopening. “In the areas where we have this widespread case increase, we need to stop the cases, and then we can talk about safely reopening,” Birx said on “This Week.”

The House passed a $3.5 trillion measure in May, but Republicans controlling the Senate have demanded a slower approach, saying it was necessary to take a “pause” before passing additional legislation. Since they announced that strategy, however, coronavirus caseloads have spiked and the economy has absorbed an enormous blow. ~

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-second-stimulus-check-unemployment-updates-20200803-wyo5oukejzc6dididkqodwyco4-story.html

pfitz59

(10,198 posts)
35. Why should the Dems make a counter-offer?
Mon Aug 3, 2020, 06:38 PM
Aug 2020

Their plan was ready 3 months ago and the GOP did squat. Let the GOP concede...

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