The Point: Why Washington couldn't meet its own deadline

View this email in your browser   July 31, 2020  | by Lauren Dezenski Programming note: The Point team is taking a brief summer vacation ahead of the conventions! The newsletter will be off all next week, but we'll be back starting Sunday, August 9. Stay healthy and see you soon! Why Washington couldn't meet its own deadline Members of Congress faced a major deadline this week: On Friday at midnight, the $600 weekly unemployment benefit enacted this spring expires. Could they act before those enhanced federal benefits officially run out? Nope. On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rolled out a $1 trillion stimulus proposal, which included a smaller weekly unemployment benefit than the current $600. It was a fraction of the Democrats' $3 trillion ask. Yet the Republican plan, viewed as a starting place rather than set in stone, met resistance among fiscal hawks in the GOP caucus and from President Donald Trump himself.  Add that to the Democrats' opposition, and hope began to dim for a compromise before the end of the week to quickly help Americans reeling from the pandemic.  Congress got another curveball this week, though had it kept its eye on the ball, it might have made better contact. Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas, an outspoken critic of mask mandates, tested positive for coronavirus after planning to travel on Air Force One with the President. The news broke open simmering issues with mask policies, testing and enforcement within the US Capitol complex. It prompted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to issue a mask requirement for the House floor and all House buildings. The Senate, led by McConnell, has no such requirement. Back in May, Pelosi and McConnell turned down a White House offer to send rapid-testing resources to the Capitol. Leaders are now discussing a testing mandate for lawmakers, but nothing is official. On Thursday, the nation learned just how dire its economic situation is. The US economy had experienced its worst drop on record, wiping out five years of economic gains -- and showing just how many are hurting right now.  The Senate also adjourned, meaning members left town before any sort of deal could be made in advance of the midnight deadline. The Point: Congressional leaders couldn't even agree on a testing policy for all lawmakers this week, much less how to help the record number of Americans affected by this pandemic. -- Lauren QUOTE OF THE DAY "I did much more for minorities than he did." -- President Donald Trump, reacting to criticism from former President Barack Obama LAUREN'S GOOD READS A fascinating inside look at Joe Biden's VP vetting process    Skepticism of Biden's 13-point lead in Florida   GOP activists want to trigger a constitutional convention   Barstool meets the Trump White House in a "fratty, swampy summer"   "Success Addicts" choose feeling special over being happy   The Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast is experiencing a heat wave   Air Bud: A good dog and great multi-sport athlete MUSICAL INTERLUDE I cannot WAIT to watch Beyonce's just-released visual album, "Black Is King." Today's episode: How to help the looming election worker shortage. THE WEEK IN 16 HEADLINES This week, Trump's suggestion that November's election be delayed prompted an unusual level of pushback from Republicans, who are normally in lockstep with the President. Meanwhile, the pandemic is disrupting more normal election processes, including the presidential debates and mail-in voting. Monday Trump revises lawsuit to block release of tax records after Supreme Court ruling McConnell formally unveils $1 trillion Senate GOP stimulus proposal: 'The American people need more help' Notre Dame withdraws from hosting first presidential debate due to coronavirus Tuesday 'Nobody likes me': Trump ponders pandemic popularity of Fauci and Birx Republicans revolt against GOP's initial stimulus plan Trump abruptly ends briefing after being pressed over retweeting misinformation Wednesday Louie Gohmert, who's refused to wear a mask, tests positive for Covid-19 Pelosi mandates masks in House chamber after Gohmert tests positive for Covid-19 Trump again attempts to stoke racial divisions in housing message House panel votes to give all members access to classified intel on foreign 'disinformation' campaign Thursday Trump floats delaying election despite lack of authority to do so Republicans openly challenge Trump's tweet on delaying election Pompeo covers for Trump claims ranging from Russian bounties to German troop withdrawal  Fearing Trump interference, FBI agents hid copies of Russia investigation docs Friday New postal policies that are slowing service may affect 2020 mail-in voting, union leader says Stimulus negotiations latest: The Senate's not in town as $600 unemployment benefits are set to expire ONE BIG SENATE BATTLE $20 million Spending for seven Senate races has already topped $20 million in each state: Arizona ($30.7 million), North Carolina ($27.8M), Georgia ($25.9M), Michigan ($24.7M), Maine ($24.1M), Colorado ($23.5M) and Iowa ($20.7M). Those sums include TV, radio and digital advertising, and outside spending. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Unsubscribe from this list Check out other CNN Newsletters Create your CNN Account Share the Point Newsletter Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get The Point in your inbox.   Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. You can follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter and connect with The Point on: Our mailing address is: One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303   Copyright © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., All rights reserved.