The Politics of Pandemic Relief

<p>In March, Congress pushed through a relief package that preserved the U.S. economy during the pandemic. It felt like government functioning at its best.</p><p>But now, that money is running out and bipartisanship has given way to an ideological stalemate.</p><p>While Republicans balk at plans for further significant government spending — even those coming from the White House — Democrats are holding out for more money and a broader package of measures.</p><p>The absence of a deal could have dire consequences. One economist estimates that without a stimulus package, there could be four million fewer jobs next year.</p><p>We talk to Jim Tankersley, who covers the economy for The Times, about what’s getting in the way of an agreement.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/jim-tankersley" target="_blank">Jim Tankersley</a>, who covers economic and tax policy for The New York Times.</p><p><br /></p><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank">nytimes.com/thedaily </a></p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>After posting on Twitter that he was ending talks, President Trump reversed course,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/us/politics/trump-covid-stimulus-pelosi-republicans.html?searchResultPosition=4" target="_blank"> raising the stimulus offer to $1.8 trillion</a>. But his own party may reject that plan, handing Democrats fresh leverage.</li><li>While Democrats hold out for more concessions, deep divisions among Senate Republicans<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/10/us/politics/senate-republicans-white-house-coronavirus-relief.html?searchResultPosition=6" target="_blank"> stand in the way of any relief bill</a>.</li></ul>