On the recordDecember 16, 2020
as we rapidly approach the end of the session, Senators are working in earnest to finish a bipartisan government funding bill as well as an emergency Federal relief package. Over the past several weeks, the bipartisan Gang of 8 came together to provide a framework for an agreement on emergency COVID relief. That framework has been the basis of discussions between the four congressional leaders: Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and myself. Secretary Mnuchin has been in our talks as well, representing the President. Yesterday we had two very long and very productive meetings. Our final discussion stretched late into the evening. As we race the clock to reach a final accord before the end of the year, we are close to an agreement. It is not a done deal yet, but we are very close. Now, for Democrats, this has always been about getting the American people the relief they need in the time of an acute national crisis, of an emergency to so many Americans. This has been about delivering a lifeline to Americans who were laid off, through no fault of their own, families struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table, small businesses hanging on for dear life. This has been about saving our schools, our healthcare system, and delivering the resources to produce and distribute the vaccine that should finally, finally help our country turn the corner and defeat this evil disease. We are on the precipice of achieving these goals.…
