Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over a settlement on what should go into a final stimulus package. This, as 12 million people could lose unemployment benefits in a few weeks if nothing is done before the end of the year.

A problem solvers caucus made up of 4 senators from each party introduced a bipartisan $908 billion coronavirus stimulus package this week but so far no agreement.
The proposal includes extensions for unemployment insurance as millions of Americans are still without jobs due to the pandemic.

"It will provide $700 a week unemployment. that money will be spent at local grocery stores and hardware stores and pay rent and all of that. It puts some money into emergency rental assistance for people who have been laid off and can't find a job," said Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Senator Rob Portman says money is also needed in this package to get the vaccine out.

"We actually need more money for ensuring we are going to have these vaccines broadly available with a distribution system that makes sense, is fair and gets it out as soon as possible," Portman said.

Funding will likely provide further relief through the Paycheck Protection Program to give small businesses loans that were forgivable if used mostly for payroll costs.

"We see what our restaurants are going through our retail shops are going through so we need to get help out to our small businesses as well so people are coming to the realization that this has to happen and it has to happen now," said Congressman Tim Ryan.

What a package won't likely see, however, is a direct stimulus check to all Americans, like the $1200 many received earlier this Spring.