4 Republican Senators Say They'll Oppose Fast-Tracking Coronavirus Bill Unless 'Massive Drafting Error' Is Fixed

Four Republican senators warned on Wednesday they will oppose fast-tracking the $2 trillion coronavirus response legislation unless a “massive drafting error” regarding unemployment insurance is changed so it does not incentivize people not to go back to work. “A massive drafting error in the current version of the coronavirus relief legislation could have devastating consequences: Unless this bill is fixed, there is a strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work,” Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, as well Ben Sasse of Nebraska, said in a statement, according to Fox News. “This isn’t an abstract, philosophical point — it’s an immediate, real-world problem,” they added. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida joined his three Republican colleagues in calling for a change to the legislation before it is pushed through fast-tracking procedures. The “drafting error” involves a $600-per-week payment in addition to the unemployment benefits — which are calculated using a worker’s current salary — that those who apply will receive...MORE