Sen. Romney joins bipartisan group to propose coronavirus relief plan
Dec 14, 2020, 12:02 PM
File Photo: KSL NewsRadio via Facebook Live in December 2020.
SALT LAKE CITY — Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), along with a bipartisan group of senators, will introduce a new coronavirus spending relief plan Monday in hopes to reach a deal in Congress before Christmas.
The $908 billion relief package would be split in two parts that supports small businesses, while also providing protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits, Romney said. The group of senators have vowed to stay in Washington through the holidays to pass the legislation.
“I think it would send a terrible message if we’re home celebrating Christmas and people’s unemployment has run out and businesses are being closed,” Romney said.
One part of the bill would allocate $748 billion toward small businesses, providing support through Payroll Protection Program loans, added unemployment benefits and vaccine distribution. The other part — allocating about $160 billion — would go toward liability protection for state and local governments against potential virus-related lawsuits.
The two-part legislation seeks to mend disagreements between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, addressing what both sides have been fighting for in a relief package. While Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pushed for increased protections against lawsuits, Democrats argue relief money for states and cities should be the top priority.
The two parts have largely been the main sticking points preventing the current Congress to pass a relief package since the CARES Act was passed effortlessly in March.
The bipartisan group of senators plans to present the modifications during a news conference Monday.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Obtain a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
