Congress has adjourned for the weekend, without resolving the issue of “supercharged” unemployment benefits. The weekly $600 in federal aid for jobless Americans expired Friday (7/31), after the U.S. Senate failed to reach a deal.
In a call with reporters, Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden pointed out that the Gross Domestic Product fell by 33% in the second quarter…and over 20 million people are unemployed.
“And when you have a national economy in freefall, you don’t take away arguably the best tool to keep the economy afloat.”
Wyden said he wants Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to talk to working class Americans this weekend, and come back Monday to negotiate an agreement.
Republicans themselves are divided, with some saying Congress has already done enough. Others want to renew the benefits but at a reduced amount.
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