U.S. lawmakers working together to approve a new coronavirus relief package

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Republican and Democratic lawmakers are trying to come to a deal on a coronavirus relief package. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed a deal that includes giving the unemployed $300 more a week for 16 weeks, $300 billion in aid for small businesses and a continued pause on federal student loan payments through the end of April. The plan does not include stimulus checks.

Congress is trying to get a bill passed soon, because aid programs that were approved in March, including jobless assistance measures and eviction protections, expire before the end of the year.

Sticking points include state and local aid and liability protection for employers. On Wednesday, the House passed a short-term funding bill that moves the deadline of a government shutdown to December 18, buying more time for pandemic relief negotiations. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.