Murkowski, Sullivan vote for pandemic relief

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Friday, September 11th, 2020 11:06am

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U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Washington, DC (KINY) - The republican backed stimulus bill for COVID-19 assistance failed to reach the 60 votes needed for passage leading some lawmakers to suggest no additional aid will be approved until after the presidential election.

Alaska U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan voted in favor of the near $300 billion package.

They said the legislation targeted relief for small businesses, more unemployment benefits, the US Postal Service, child care, schools, and other areas.  It also would have extended until September 2021 the deadline to spend the current CARES Act funding for local governments.

The democratic lead house had approved a near $3 trillion dollar aid package earlier this summer.

Democrats want another round of assistance for local governments and direct stimulus payments to residents.

No Democrats voted for the bill.  Republican Rand Paul also voted against the package.

 

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