The so-called “skinny” coronavirus relief bill touted by Senate republican leaders is expected to fail to get enough support to pass a procedural vote Thursday, the Associated Press reports.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell does not have the votes in the Senate to pass the legislation, which would provide about $1 trillion in relief, but does not include programs key to garner Democratic support.
The “skinny” republican bill includes $28 billion in financial aid to farmers as well as funding for the Payroll Protection Program for employers and a $10 billion write-off of Postal Service debt. It also includes a liability shield for employers to stop lawsuits from employees who contract COVID at work, a non-starter for Democrats.
The republican bill also excludes other key programs supported by Democrats including funding for state and local governments; a $1,200 per adult stimulus payment; and assistance for renters and homeowners.
Democrats passed a $3.5 trillion relief package through the House in May. In the Senate, republicans were unable to coalesce around a bill, as the far-right of the Party objected to running up debt.
The republican failure to pass any proposal means that the only substantive legislation that will likely pass the Senate prior to election day will be a continuing resolution to keep the government running through the end of the year.