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WASHINGTON – Lawmakers began negotiations Thursday over the two thorniest components of a new coronavirus aid package as momentum built for a roughly $ 900 billion compromise proposal designed to get out of the deadlock in Congress in time for the Christmas holidays.
Earlier this week, a bipartisan group in the House and Senate reached broad consensus around a new $ 908 billion aid package that included funding for state and local governments and legal protections for them. companies and other entities operating during the pandemic. Lawmakers debated on Thursday the details of those parts of the proposal, which also includes money for unemployment insurance, small businesses and the distribution of vaccines, among other measures.
“The number is not the problem,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R., SC). “These are policy differences.”
Mr Graham, a new voice in favor of the bipartisan proposal, said he had discussed the package with President Trump. “The president is of the opinion that a bill would be good for the country, he would like to see that happen, but he must have the right policy,” he said.
Mr. Trump and President-elect Joe Biden have urged Congress to strike a deal. “I think we’re getting very close,” Trump said Thursday. “I want this to happen. And I think we’re getting closer to a deal. “
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