Senate Republicans introduced legislation to inject more than $1tn of fiscal stimulus into the US economy as it grapples with the coronavirus outbreak, prompting criticism from Democrats that the plan is too favourable to corporate America.
The proposal by Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate majority leader, includes cheques for many taxpayers and aid to many businesses — ideas that have gained urgency as US economic activity has slowed down dramatically.
But negotiations with congressional Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, and the White House could be testy. Democrats faulted the Republican plan for providing insufficient aid to Americans who lose their jobs during the outbreak or face difficulties paying for healthcare.