A specter is haunting America. It’s not the animating spirit of a certain German’s fever dreams, but one that still sends chills down the spine of many of the nation’s top capitalists: a lack of government economic aid.
Congress is at a crossroads in the coronavirus crisis, wrestling over whether to “go big,” as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants for the next relief bill, or hit “pause,” as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insists.
After approving nearly $3 trillion to help stem staggering losses for businesses and workers, Republicans say they want to see if that aid is sufficient as unemployment claims slow and shelter-in-place orders are eased.
Lawmakers are struggling to break a stalemate over President Donald Trump’s $250 billion emergency request for a small-business program, stoking uncertainty about when additional support will be available in a key rescue program now exhausted of funds.
