Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is hopeful a solution to helping small businesses and hospitals affected by the coronavirus is right around the corner.
On Tuesday, CNN’s John Berman asked Schumer where negotiations stand.
“I think we will be able to pass this today,” Schumer said. “There is still a few more i’s to dot and t’s to cross but we have a deal and I believe we’ll pass it today.”
Check out his comments below:
“There is still a few more i’s to dot and t’s to cross, but we have a deal and I believe we’ll pass it today,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says about a $450 billion deal to help small businesses and expand coronavirus testing.https://t.co/SzGYN8l6wK pic.twitter.com/JTnN2quWYH
— CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt (@CNNThisMorning) April 21, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) also said she is also optimistic the $450 billion measure will pass Tuesday night, as IJR previously reported.
Pelosi reported approximately $120 billion in the small-business aid package will be aimed at providing aid to minority-owned businesses. Democrats requested at least $75 billion be set aside for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Schumer confirmed the Democrats are demanding a national testing plan.
“You need a significant federal involvement,” Schumer said. “You need a national strategy and the president and Mnuchin and Meadows agreed to that to their credit and that will be in the proposal.”
Berman went on to ask Schumer how he can guarantee money will be going to small businesses.
Schumer noted two-thirds of the businesses in New York that applied for the funding did not receive it.
He reiterated $125 billion will be set aside for the unbanked, minority-run businesses, rural businesses, and mom and pop shops.
Schumer explained the significance of adding more funding for testing to the bill.
“Testing is key. We’re not going to be able to open up America unless we have a national testing strategy and the states tied into that,” Schumer said.
Hospitals will reportedly be receiving the $75 billion Democrats requested.
Schumer closed the exchange commenting on the one area Democrats wished there was more funding for which is states and localities. The White House did confirm states and localities can use funds for lost revenues.