Some Republicans remain opposed to the House coronavirus bill, which lawmakers intended to enact quickly, because of its paid sick leave provisions.
Some Senate Republicans are seeking additional changes to the bill, which in its current form would provide free coronavirus testing and paid sick leave to those harmed by the outbreak.
But other GOP lawmakers are eager to clear the bill for the president’s signature and then address problems with the House bill in a much larger stimulus package now under negotiation between Congress and the White House, which is likely to involve direct cash assistance to people out of work or otherwise economically hurt due to the virus.
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“I want to get the legislation out the door and helping Hoosiers as quickly as possible,” Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican, told reporters Tuesday. “I think what the House passed is imperfect but worth consideration over here. If we don’t have an opportunity to amend that, as appears to be the case, it’s my expectation that [it] will end up passing.”
Some Republicans are urging changes to lessen the financial burden on small businesses after complaints from the National Federation of Independent Businesses.
The NFIB said the act is “overly complex and has unforeseen, unintended, and hidden costs that hurt small business.” The NFIB objects to the paid leave mandate proposed in the bill, arguing that it would hurt small businesses that are unable to afford it.
Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said the bill should be altered.
“Almost everyone says, ‘Do it through unemployment insurance,'” Braun said. “Don’t put the burden on small employers to finance this and then have to grapple with a payroll tax credit.”
If the Senate amends the bill, it would have to pass the House once again, which could require lawmakers now home in their districts to return to Congress.
The House made slight changes to the measure on Monday, limiting sick pay to fewer employees.
Braun is among a group of Republicans who remain opposed to the House bill. Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, has urged lawmakers to make changes. Others are also unhappy with the legislation.
“I think the House bill right now falls short of helping small business people,” Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, said.
