The massive, year-end catchall bill combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Posted inBusiness, Nation / World, Politics
Republicans block $2,000 checks as Trump leaves COVID-19 aid in chaos, goes to Florida
Democrats will try again with a roll call vote on a new bill Dec. 28, when the House also plans a vote to override Trump’s veto on the National Defense Authorization Act.
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Posted inBusiness, Nation / World, Politics
Trump vetoes defense bill that has BIW benefits, setting up possible override vote
The president has called for the bill to include limits on social media companies he claims are biased against him – and to strip out language that allows for the renaming of military bases that honor Confederate leaders.
Posted inBusiness, Nation / World, Politics
Jobless claims remain high, raising stakes for Trump’s new demands on economic relief bill
If Trump does not sign the $900 billion stimulus package, 12 million Americans will lose unemployment aid after Christmas.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Trump pardons 15, including Republican allies and campaign official ensnared in Russia probe
The pardons include former Republican Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York.
Posted inMaine, Nation / World, Politics
Jared Golden unhappy with ‘out of touch,’ partisan leadership on Capitol Hill
Maine’s 2nd District Democratic congressman blocked a $4,500 pay hike for colleagues, but went along with $2.4 trillion spending package this week.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Biden picks Connecticut schools chief as education secretary
Miguel Cardona, the education commissioner for Connecticut and a former public school teacher, was appointed to the top education post in Connecticut just months before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
Posted inNation / World, Politics
Too big to read: Giant stimulus bill a leap of faith for Congress
It includes extended tax breaks for the alcohol industry and motor speedways, comprehensive energy legislation, revised copyright rules, approval of two new Smithsonian museums and lessened penalties for the transportation of water hyacinths. There’s also an entire section on Tibet.
Posted inBusiness, Nation / World, Politics
Congress approves $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, sending it to Trump’s desk
The bill includes individual payments reaching $600 for most Americans and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Uncategorized
As Maine Legislature starts back up, Democrats and Republicans present priorities
Both parties say they want to help Maine’s working families and small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but their approaches could vary widely.