Senate Democrats block movement on economic stimulus package citing 'serious issues' with bill

[truebluefan]

Senate Democrats blocked movement on a massive stimulus package Sunday evening, injecting fresh uncertainty over whether and when lawmakers will reach a bipartisan deal to deliver relief amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

As coronavirus hits the Senate — with one senator now diagnosed and several others self-quarantining — tensions are running high on Capitol Hill. While Republicans are urging quick action, Democrats argue that Republicans are prioritizing corporate industry over American workers in the legislation.

Democrats registered their frustration by lining up against a key procedural vote to advance the package. The vote was 47-47. Lawmakers needed to clear a 60-vote threshold to succeed.

The vote, originally set for 3 p.m. ET, was delayed until 6 p.m. as Democrats dug in against it and to allow for more time for negotiations. A final bipartisan deal to respond to the toll of the spread of coronavirus has not yet been reached, but talks are expected to continue into Sunday evening.

read more https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/22/poli...-coronavirus-negotiations-congress/index.html