NPR

After Delays, Republicans Rolled Out A New Pandemic Relief Bill. Democrats Balked

After days of delays, congressional Republicans unveiled their $1 trillion proposal for a fifth wave of pandemic relief. Democrats are not on board — signaling tough negotiations ahead.

Updated at 9:10 p.m. ET

After days of delays, congressional Republicans rolled out their proposal for a fifth wave of pandemic relief aid on Monday, setting the stage for a showdown with Democrats, who say the two sides remain far apart.

The plan, which was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., focuses on new funding for schools and a new round of payments to Americans and allows for some additional wage replacement for unemployed workers.

It also includes a marquee issue for Republicans in this relief bill: new legal protections for businesses against pandemic-related lawsuits.

"We have produced a tailored and targeted draft that

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