Democratic and Republican legislators held a first round of talks on the possibility of sending a new aid package for the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the impact that the omicron variant represents for the health system and the economy, and in the midst of a sharp rise in inflation.
Senators Ben Cardin (Democrat) and Roger Wicker (Republican) are the ones who have promoted these talks to disburse some 68,000 million dollars in support to businesses such as
restaurants, theaters, gyms
and even small sports teams, according to four people who spoke on condition of anonymity. anonymity with The Washington Post.
Cardin and Wicker have not yet finalized their proposals, but have met with lawmakers from both parties to find support.
However, they may not be able to because there is division over what this could add to the deficit.
The last stimulus check was delivered in March 2021. Eric Gay / AP
In fact, other federal programs to combat the pandemic have run out of money or have come to an end, leaving Capitol Hill worried that more help may be needed.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the government has spent an additional
$130 billion for states to try to mitigate infections
in schools.
Food manufacturers warn that they will raise their prices
Dec. 29, 202100:26
But when asked by reporters about possible talks between lawmakers for another stimulus check,
he limited himself to noting that the Biden administration is in "constant discussions"
with lawmakers.
Will another aid package be necessary?
Although it is true that the impact of omicron in the United States threatens to saturate hospitals again, close schools and even affect the supply chain, as has already been seen in some states of the country, so far it has caused a milder illness, which which means that it may not cause as much economic impact as other variants, according to USA Today.
The economy has also continued to improve.
It grew at an annual rate of 2.3% in the third quarter of 2020, slightly
better than initially estimated
, according to the Commerce Department.
In December, in addition, the national unemployment rate fell to 3.9%, the lowest level since the start of the pandemic.
Companies, in fact, are
raising wages in an effort to attract staff
to their jobs.
This is a very different scenario than in March 2021, when the last stimulus check was approved.