White House Willing to Support Stimulus Deal without Liability Protections

The Washington Post is reporting that the White House is considering supporting a coronavirus relief package that does not include a liability shield for health providers, businesses, and schools. According to the report, the Trump Administration continues to favor inclusion of liability protections in the final package, but is willing to drop them in order to secure a deal.

If true, the report would dramatically undercut the negotiating position of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has long insisted that Senate Republicans will not agree to additional funding for coronavirus relief unless liability protections are included. Liability protections are essential to the ability of colleges and universities and businesses to reopen.  

NAICU will continue to monitor this issue and will provide updates as events warrant.