Skip to content

McConnell Calls for Second Stimulus

While debating his Democratic opponent Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) endorsed a second stimulus package but did not say what it should include.

According to a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader, McConnell said Congress should further help consumers and small businesses as the financial meltdown on Wall Street hits individuals.

“The whole world economy is slowing. We’re going to have a slow period here,” he said. “But here’s every indication in the world that America is going to lead the world out of this slowdown.”

It is unclear what portions of the stimulus package McConnell supports. He had been mostly mum on the topic.

Most Senate Republicans have opposed a second stimulus package, questioning whether it would boost the economy, as the first one had only a small impact. Republicans also criticized the public projects portion of the plan as taking too long to have any effect on the short-term crisis. Many GOP Members have called for a stimulus that includes tax cuts.

President Bush appeared to be warming to the stimulus plan earlier in the week but did not endorse it outright, saying that he would need to see more details before backing it.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said early this month that the Senate would meet the week of Nov. 17 to complete any remaining bills, including an economic stimulus bill and a public lands bill being blocked by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.).

McConnell faced Democrat Bruce Lunsford for his third and final debate early Thursday morning. The two are locked in a tight race.

Recent Stories

Judge blocks latest attempt to slash CFPB

Supreme Court to hear arguments over preventive care task force

Trump puts Italy’s Meloni in high-pressure role as bridge to EU on tariffs

Supreme Court to review Trump birthright citizenship order

At the Races: Only the young

California sues to stop tariffs levied under economic emergency