LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Congress' self-imposed deadline for a stimulus deal is this Friday but it appears there's little chance of a bipartisan agreement before the weekend begins.
A new poll shows 5.4 million Americans will be unable to cover their basic expenses this month without the additional $600 per week unemployment supplement.
But after another week of expired unemployment benefits and eviction protections, both sides are still struggling to compromise on stimulus legislation.
Democrats want a big relief bill, but Republicans want something smaller.
Two of the biggest sticking points are financial help for states and keeping the additional federal unemployment benefit at $600 a week.
Another stimulus check for Americans and extending eviction moratoriums are also being discussed.
Democrats have argued that anything less than a large-scale package has no chance of passing.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants a price tag of $3 .4 trillion. Republicans have rejected this saying the price tag is too high.
The GOP's counter-proposal is a $1 trillion HEALS act.
Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff said, "My frustration is that we could've passed a very skinny deal that dealt with some of the most pressing issues."
Meanwhile, Pelosi said, "We should do something big. And we should do it in a way that is bipartisan as we have done every other bill."
Congress is set to begin its August recess soon but leaders from both parties have vowed to work through the upcoming recess if they still don't have a bill by Friday.
Administration officials say President Donald Trump may take executive action if a deal is not completed today.
In a tweet, President Trump says his staff is working on such a package.
He says it includes a payroll tax cut, eviction protections, unemployment assistance, and student loan help.
