New pandemic relief for American Samoa and the nation maybe back on the table, as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin agreed to try to resurrect talks with Congressional Democrats. KHJ News Washington correspondent Matt Kaye reports–
Mnuchin spoke by phone with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after a key Democrat asked him to do so at a House hearing on the pandemic, raising hope of more aid for American Samoa and others.
And while Mnuchin and Pelosi remain far apart on top-line numbers and doing a ‘skinny’ versus the comprehensive deal Pelosi wants, Mnuchin told the hearing, there is much the two sides agree on.
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…all of which American Samoa has benefited from, to the tune of more than $100-million including more than $12-million in PPP small business loans, more than $11-million in Economic Injury Disaster loans and advances…plus Medicaid and more.
And Mnuchin says the President’s even willing to put new money on the table for states and cities.
But the Treasury Secretary and Speaker disagreed on the phone call on Mnuchin’s call for a partial approach to a new bill, a difference he noted ahead of the call…
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But the expiration of enhanced jobless benefits and protections against evictions is bringing huge new pressure on lawmakers to act, though President Trump authorized limited extra help recently, through executive orders.
