Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden commits to female VP; CDC says no events of 50+ people for 8 weeks This week: Senate balances surveillance fight with growing coronavirus concerns McConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills MORE (R-Ky.) said on Sunday that discussions were already underway about additional coronavirus legislation beyond a second package that passed the House this weekend.
McConnell, in a statement, said he had spoken to several GOP committee chairmen “about the next steps,” including helping Americans with financial challenges, efforts to shore up the economy and small business and bolstering the healthcare system.
“It is clear that confronting this virus will take boldness, bipartisanship, and a comprehensive approach. …Discussions are already underway on these key pillars. The Senate is eager to work with the Administration and the House to deliver the solutions our nation deserves,” McConnell said in a statement.
McConnell’s statement comes after the House passed a second coronavirus package over the weekend.
The bill includes provisions that bolster unemployment insurance and guarantee that all Americans can get free diagnostic testing for the coronavirus. It also creates a national paid sick leave program through this year requiring employers with fewer than 500 workers as well as government employers to provide two weeks of paid sick leave.
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The exact timeline for the legislation in the Senate is unclear, as the chamber prepares to take an initial vote on an unrelated surveillance bill on Monday evening.
“I know Senators on both sides are carefully reviewing the details and are eager to act swiftly to help American workers, families, and small businesses navigate this challenging time,” McConnell added.
But he also turned his attention to further coronavirus legislation, adding that Republicans “feel strongly that this bill must only be the beginning of Congress’s efforts to support our nation’s economy and stand with American families.”
The statement comes as McConnell is facing calls from within his own conference to make changes to the House bill.
Sen. Ron JohnsonRonald (Ron) Harold JohnsonThis week: Senate balances surveillance fight with growing coronavirus concerns McConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills GOP senator announces intention to subpoena firm tied to Burisma MORE (R-Wis.) signaled his opposition to the House bill over concerns that that the paid sick leave provision would harm small businesses.
“I hope the Senate will approach this with a level head and pass a bill that does more good than harm – or, if it won’t, pass nothing at all. The president and states already have adequate authority and funding to address the current situation,” he said in a statement.
Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioThis week: Senate balances surveillance fight with growing coronavirus concerns McConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills Coronavirus spending will come amid huge deficits MORE (R-Fla.) added in a tweet that he was hoping to include additional small business protections into the House-passed bill. Any changes by the Senate would bounce the bill back to the House, which is out of town for the week.
Johnson and Rubio were among the senators McConnell said he has spoken with about next steps.
In addition, he added that he has also specifically spoken with Sens. Chuck GrassleyCharles (Chuck) Ernest GrassleyMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills GOP senator announces intention to subpoena firm tied to Burisma Democrats push for paid leave in coronavirus response MORE (R-Iowa), Lamar AlexanderAndrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills Trump formally nominates Kenneth Weinstein as ambassador to Japan Ed Markey: ‘Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day’ by adopting Irish sick leave policy MORE (R-Tenn.), Richard ShelbyRichard Craig ShelbyMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills McConnell cancels Senate break over coronavirus Senate Republicans poised to reject House coronavirus relief bill MORE (R-Ala.), Mike CrapoMichael (Mike) Dean CrapoMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills House committee advances medical marijuana bills for veterans Bottom line MORE (R-Idaho), Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills Susan Collins: Trump should ‘step back’ from coronavirus messaging The Hill’s Campaign Report: Campaigns confront reality of coronavirus MORE (R-Maine) and Roger WickerRoger Frederick WickerMcConnell: Discussions underway on additional coronavirus bills Hillicon Valley: Facebook, Twitter dismantle Russian interference campaign targeting African Americans | YouTube to allow ads on coronavirus videos | Trump signs law banning federal funds for Huawei equipment Trump signs law banning use of federal funds to purchase Huawei equipment MORE (R-Miss.), who chair the Finance, Health, Appropriations, Banking, Aging and Commerce committees, respectively.