Chances of modest stimulus deal rising

WASHINGTON » The slow resolution of the presidential election, and the growing chance that Democrats and Republicans will divide power in Washington next year, has revived lawmaker interest in reaching an agreement on a new economic rescue package before Christmas.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, said Wednesday that reaching a deal on a stimulus bill would be “Job 1” when lawmakers return for the lame- duck congressional session after the elections. It is possible that some type of stimulus deal could be attached to a bill that would fund the federal government past Dec. 11.

The chance of a stimulus deal may be rising, but it is unlikely to result in as large a package as Democrats and President Donald Trump were discussing before the election.

Business groups are mounting a renewed push for a sizable bill — possibly around $ 1.7 trillion. “There’s no reason to wait,” Neil Bradley, the executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday. Bradley said chamber members hoped to see legislation resembling a bipartisan proposal in the House that would have included aid for people and businesses, as well as triggers to continue aid or cut it off depending on how the economy fares.

Whether a stimulus package becomes reality will depend on several variables, including whether Trump is willing to sign a bill. The stakes of the negotiations are also expected to remain murky until it becomes clear which party will control the Senate.