Congressional negotiators have failed to reach a deal on a new coronavirus stimulus bill as cases skyrocket around the country and local officials implement new shutdown orders aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
However, during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet The Press” on Sunday, President-elect Joe Biden’s Chief of Staff Ron Klain said he believes House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has done a good job negotiating the relief bill.
“Speaker Pelosi has done a magnificent job of handling this,” Klain said. “What I want her to hear is that we have her back in handling in this.”
He noted the hours Pelosi spent negotiating with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin but “the current administration has walked away from the table.”
“Our message to Speaker Pelosi is keep doing what you are doing. And the Republicans, let’s get this done,” he added.
Watch the video below:
WATCH: Incoming Chief of Staff @RonaldKlain says "Speaker Pelosi has done a magnificent job of handling" Covid relief. #MTP
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) November 15, 2020
Klain: "Our message to Speaker Pelosi is keep doing what you are doing. And the Republicans, let's get this done." pic.twitter.com/rZ4h3m6YEe
House Democrats have pushed for a $2.2 trillion spending bill that they say is necessary to provide much needed assistance to state and local governments, frontline workers, and Americans suffering financially from the lockdowns.
But, Congressional Republicans have balked at that price tag and have shown little interest in passing such a large bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Thursday, “I gather [Pelosi] and the Democratic leader in the Senate still are looking at something dramatically larger.”
“That’s not a place I think we’re willing to go. But I do think there needs to be another package. Hopefully, we can get past the impasse we’ve had now for four or five months and get serious about doing something that’s appropriate,” he added.
Before the election, Democrats were hoping they would win the White House, re-take control of the Senate, and expand their majority in the House, which would allow them to pass a multi-trillion dollar stimulus package with their new majorities.
However, after the election where Republicans gained seats in the House and still have a chance to hold on to their Senate majority, the prospect of getting another stimulus bill by the end of the year have dimmed.