COVID-19 relief negotiations have been stalled for more than a month after discussions between Speaker Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows failed to resolve disagreements about overall spending levels and additional aid to state and local governments.
Congressional leaders are pushing to pass a continuing resolution (CR)—short-term Federal legislation—ahead of the new fiscal year to keep government agencies operating. Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Mnuchin have agreed to a “clean” CR, which would leave extraneous items out of the must-pass funding bill needed to avert a partial government shutdown starting October 1. Senate Republicans want to pass a spending bill through mid-December, while House Democrats want it through February. Thus far, it is unclear whether health care provisions will be included.
GNYHA has been in close contact with Senator Schumer and the New York Congressional delegation. We are closely monitoring COVID-19 relief negotiations and will advocate for our priorities in the upcoming legislative proposals.