A sign of life for U.S. relief negotiations

A scenic view along High Pastures Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sunday morning arrived with signs that federal pandemic relief talks might resume, though no timetable was disclosed. 

The urgency of the moment seemed to hold sway, with both sides acknowledging the need for actual legislation, beyond the executive orders President Donald Trump signed on Saturday. On Sunday, Reuters reported that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged compromise on areas of agreement, while Democratic leaders said the executive orders will do little to help the millions of Americans who need relief quickly. One of those orders extends enhanced jobless benefits. But because Congress didn't authorize that extension, the government would have to build a new system to provide the funds — a task which could take months, according to CNN.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Democrats could adjust their plan to come closer to the Republicans' proposed amount of $1 trillion, the Reuters report stated. Democrats on Friday offered to shrink their relief plan from about $3 trillion to $2 trillion, but the sides could not agree at the time.

With people's economic needs adding more pressure every day, this development was not a complete surprise, but a very welcome one. Congress must be able to approve crucial legislation during a national emergency — on that, everyone can agree. Once that is accomplished, I'm hopeful negotiators will have established stronger relationships that will help them address other key issues at this important time. For the nation, this moment presents a pivotal opportunity for progress — one that demands to be seized. 

— Gareth Henderson