at the end of the comment stream.

The good, the bad, and the very, very dismal fucked up.

‘Hill leaders close in on Covid stimulus deal’ Negotiators have left out the two most contentious items of the possible agreement’, politico.com, Dec. 16. 2020

“Congressional negotiators are on the brink of a coronavirus rescue package that would include a second round of direct payments and boost unemployment benefits, but would leave out state and local funding and a liability shield, according to lawmakers and sources briefed on the talks.

The price tag of the emerging deal is roughly $900 billion, and a deal could be finalized on Wednesday, those sources said. Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said the proposal would likely include direct checks to individuals of $600 to $700 and a weekly unemployment boost of $300 through March.