Schumer Blasts Upcoming GOP Aid Bill; McConnell Doubts Deal Prospects

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Senate GOP leaders’ expected rollout next week of an approximately $500 billion COVID-19 aid bill, writing Democratic colleagues that “Republicans may call their proposal ‘skinny,’ but it would be more appropriate to call it ‘emaciated.’” Proposals the Senate GOP floated in late July included funding to implement the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (HR-4998) and some other telecom and tech provisions but no broadband money (see 2007280059). Some believe Capitol Hill’s inability to agree on an additional aid bill including broadband means the issue could become a focus during fall election campaigns (see 2008210001). The expected revised GOP proposal “appears to be completely inadequate,” Schumer said. “I was hopeful … we could make progress in our negotiations with the White House,” which remain stalled (see 2008270051). “Republicans are trying to ‘check the box’ and give the appearance of action,” Schumer said. “I don’t know if there will be another package in the next few weeks or not,” McConnell said during an event at a Kentucky hospital: Chances of bipartisan agreement have “descended” as the election approaches.