White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow suggested Republicans have no plans to compromise further on unemployment benefits in the next stimulus deal as they have already provided enough assistance.
Appearing on CNBC on Wednesday, Kudlow was asked if it is in President Donald Trump’s interest in his efforts to get re-elected and strengthen economy to keep the unemployment benefits and assistance to state and local governments coming.
“We are providing assistance. I mean look, we have been trying to negotiate with the other side for several weeks, for many weeks,” Kudlow said.
He added, “We’re in mid to late August, we started this in mid-July. We’re not going to give up three and a half-trillion dollars more. We’ve already given three and a half trillion.”
Watch his comments below:
"We're not going to give up three and a half trillion dollars more, we've already given three and a half trillion." Larry Kudlow dismisses the possibility of another large sum of stimulus pay, accusing Democrats of asking for a "wish list" of assistance. https://t.co/xq9SMeQqxN pic.twitter.com/MxTq9965I3
— CNBC (@CNBC) August 19, 2020
Kudlow mentioned Trump’s executive order provides unemployment assistance to Americans by working with the states.
He noted working Americans could receive between $700 and $800 per week.
Kudlow listed additional areas where Republicans have compromised including $105 billion in aid for schools and a payroll tax cut.
He called on Democrats to focus on the coronavirus pandemic instead of listing demands.
“Let’s be realistic about these numbers and about the ask and let’s stay on track with COVID. Let’s make this COVID only, not a wish list from the Democratic party,” Kudlow said.
On Aug. 8, Trump signed executive orders after Democrats and Republicans could not agree on the next steps for a stimulus bill, as IJR previously reported.
Kudlow’s comments come one day after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) are not willing to “strike a reasonable deal,” as IJR previously reported.
According to Mnuchin, despite opposition from Democrats Trump has “moved forward with the EO to help people who are still unemployed.”
