House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is optimistic Democrats and the White House can come to an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package in the coming days.
During her appearance on MSNBC, Pelosi expressed confidence after her discussion with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday with another talk set for Wednesday.
“Our conversation was a positive one. We’ll get back together tomorrow to see how we can find common ground,” Pelosi said.
She noted the new $2.2 trillion package is a step down from the $3.4 trillion HEROES Act, but stressed it does not mean there is less in it for the American people.
“When we reduced it, we didn’t take out priorities. We just reduced the timeline as to how long those benefits would last,” Pelosi said.
Watch her comments below:
MSNBC’s Craig Melvin asked Pelosi when the House will vote on this package and how optimistic she is the Senate will take it up.
“We’re in a negotiation and hopefully we will come to a bipartisan agreement that would remove all doubt that the legislation will pass and be signed by the president,” Pelosi said.
She continued, “That’s my goal, that we come to agreement so that we can put money in the pockets of the American people.”
Pelosi acknowledged if lawmakers do not strike a deal, airlines will be forced to furlough several employees.
“That’s a date certain, Sept. 30. So we want to move quickly on this,” Pelosi said.
She explained it has been four months the Democrats have been waiting for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to get off the “pause button.”
Pelosi reiterated it is crucial to remain optimistic.
“Let’s be on the positive side. The needs are great, and it’s just a question of money. I do think the American people are worth it,” she said.
According to Pelosi, the bill includes “new funding needed to avert catastrophe for schools, small businesses, restaurants, performance spaces, airline workers and others.”