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Chief of Staff of the White House Mark Meadows
Mark Randall Meadows: Pelosi centers idea of Saturday’s vote on further relief from COVID The Hill’s Morning Report – Obama portrays Trump as incompetent leader; Harris agrees Vice President nods Meadows says Postal CEO did not discuss suspension of changes with Trump MORE said he tried to meet the President Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiDemocrats Prepare Commercials, Trump Hit Events During GOP Convention Democrats Seek To Capitalize After Biden Big Moment Hill’s Convention Report: Postmaster General Toasted | Looking ahead to the GOP convention | Trump campaign exceeds $ 1 billion in spending MORE (D-Calif.) Saturday to discuss continued implementation of a coronavirus stimulus package, as negotiations have stalled since August 7.
Pelosi, however, was not available when Meadows arrived.
Meadows was on Capitol Hill to discuss additional financial aid with grassroots members from both parties and argued that Congress should pass legislation that addresses areas in which they have found bipartisan agreement.
The North Carolina Republican told reporters Pelosi was hypocritical for passing legislation providing an additional $ 25 billion for Postal Service operations while choosing not to hold a vote on a COVID-19 stimulus package that can pass both rooms.
“I will contact the President. I passed. She was in a meeting and, certainly, as a secretary [Steven] Mnuchin and I, as you know, the secretary contacted a few weeks ago. She made it clear at that point that there was no real need to continue voting, ”he told reporters, referring to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
“But we see this vote in the House as a real desire on his part to seek a more targeted solution. I know that I have also discussed with several colleagues in the Senate a more targeted solution to meet the needs. Let’s at least adopt what we all agreed on and then leave the things we don’t agree on for perhaps more laborious negotiation, ”he added.
According to informed sources, no meeting was scheduled between Pelosi and Meadows over the weekend.
“He came without warning. The president was attending a leadership meeting, ”a senior Democratic official said.
Meadows’ latest attempt to resume talks comes after he and other GOP members urged Democrats to agree to an even thinner package than the $ 1.1 trillion Senate bill – a measure combining $ 10 billion for the postal service along with several other provisions, including new funding for small businesses and unemployment insurance benefits.
House Democrats passed a massive $ 3.4 trillion coronavirus relief package in May – a proposal widely rejected by Republicans in the White House and Senate.
The Senate bill, however, was opposed by even a number of Republicans, which bolstered Democrats’ influence in the negotiations.
“If it’s urgent enough to come back on a Saturday, you know, hurting small businesses and people who are injured without a job [are] definitely a priority too, “Meadows said, referring to Pelosi’s decision to recall the House to Washington for a rare Saturday session. The House is set to vote on a $ 25 billion postal service bill.
Earlier on Saturday, Pelosi held a press conference on Capitol Hill where she flatly rejected Meadows ‘offer, denouncing the lack of key components contained in the Democrats’ Heroes Act – including new funding for testing , food stamps, tenants, and state and local governments – while also referring to Trump’s chief of staff as “what’s his name.”
“This is totally unacceptable,” she said of her proposal.
“You listed some things that her name put forward,” she said. “He didn’t say anything about schools. He didn’t say anything about the crash of the virus. He didn’t say anything about the people being deported. He didn’t say anything about food insecurity among million American children. He said nothing about state and local [governments]Pelosi continued, seemingly referring to Meadows.
Meadows said he sees potential for common ground in areas that some see as difficult battles.
“I even think we can come to an agreement on stimulus checks from Americans and rising unemployment. These questions are not as divisive as we might think. And then, finally, I think there is a real desire to get help with our children, whether it is with schools and funding for schools or funding for daycare centers in this unprecedented period ”, he continued.
“And so we’ve made great strides in all of these areas, and yet talks continue to be stalled on a number that continues to be articulated by Democrats here in Congress that they really don’t have a base in.” terms of support. these figures, ”he added.
Meadows did not rule out the possibility of further executive action if Congress fails to reach consensus on a bill.
“Look, we’re still looking for options that we can deploy from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.,” he said.
“Never underestimate the dysfunction of Congress and never underestimate the ability of this president to try to find a way to meet the needs of the American people,” he added.
Updated 17:19
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