GOP Senators Seek To Cut Emergency Unemployment Benefits By $200-400 Per Week

GOP senators are looking to cut emergency unemployment benefits by between $200 and $400 per week.

Republicans have voiced concern over $600 per week increase for unemployment benefits that were included in the CARES Act passed in March. Some GOP lawmakers said the benefits would prevent some workers from returning to work because they would get more money through benefits. Democrats disagree and say that it will increase the amount of money stimulating the economy.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is expected to introduce an estimated $1 trillion bill this week. He has previously signaled displeasure with the $3 trillion HEROES Act, passed by Democrats in the House in May, which funded the $600 additional payments for unemployment through January 2021. President Donald Trump threatened to veto it.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said in an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California) will meet Monday to discuss the emerging legislation with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“It looks like that, that new package will be in the trillion-dollar range, as we have started to look at it, whether it’s a payroll tax deduction, whether it’s making sure that unemployment benefits continue, without a disincentive to return to work,” Meadows said.