The White House has dropped its push to include a Social Security payroll tax cut in the next COVID-19 rescue package totaling $1 trillion in aid, according to a report from the Associated Press. The GOP legislation is expected to come under fire by Democrats who are at odds over priorities and say the effort is not nearly enough to stem the health crisis, reopen schools, and help jobless citizens of the United States. The effort spotlights a liability shield to protect businesses, schools, and others from coronavirus-related lawsuits and is not expected to provide any new money for cash-strapped states and cities.Â
However, the plan does propose giving $105 billion to help schools reopen and $15 billion for child care centers to create safe environments for youngsters during the pandemic, and issuing another round of $1,200 checks to most American adults.
Adding pressure to the talks is July 24 expiration of a $600 weekly unemployment benefit boost that will likely be reduced to $200. Some Republicans are requesting a temporary extension of the current benefit if the talks are delayed.
