In another example of American governance functioning even after the bizarre Trump presidency, Congress came to a compromise to sign off on a massive $900 billion bill.
The bill includes billions for the military, money to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, housing aid to renters, funding for vaccine development and delivery and, crucially, another round of direct payments to Americans. People in households making as much as $150,000 will be receiving money in the form of a direct payment, starting at $600 per person.
Senators Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders both championed the direct payments and fought to ensure that they were included in the bill. As senators, either could have derailed the bill’s authorization had they disliked the language. However, the direct payments in this most recent bill were far smaller than those sent out in March. The CARES Act sent some $1,200 to most Americans, while this bill authorizes only half that.
Bill Shows Bipartisan Compromise Still Possible
The bill is one of the largest examples yet seen that Congress is still capable of passing massive legislation with a bipartisan compromise. Under President Donald Trump it has been difficult for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground. The president has been extremely controversial, often making decisions that draw the ire of the Democratic party, while receiving the sometimes reluctant support of his own party.
Now that he is in his lame duck period, Trump seems to exert less influence over Republicans in Congress. While the once had to support the president for fear of reprisal in the form of scathing Twitter remarks or during one of his signature rallies, now Republicans seem aware that Trump’s star is fading. When he’s no longer in office, it’s likely that Trump will exert far less influence in the political sphere. Already, metrics are showing he is losing Twitter followers at a massive rate, an indicator that his sway will lessen over time.
Compromise on the Hill
It’s possible that the spending from this newest relief bill could lapse before the COVID crisis has ended. Should that be the case, Congress may need to agree on yet another relief bill. This would be under President Joe Biden, and Republicans may be loath to hand Biden a win early in his presidency. However, such a move is now no longer unthinkable.
With the divisive former president no longer calling the shots and Biden noting how important compromise will be to passing legislation, one can reasonably picture a vision of the United States that isn’t caught in the grips of never-ending Congressional deadlock.
