Democrats Lose Leverage on Stimulus, as Smaller Bill Likely
- No ‘blue wave’ as GOP outperforms expectations in Congress
- Stimulus package of $2 trillion or greater appears less likely
Nancy Pelosi
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
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Congressional Democrats face a loss of leverage in negotiations over a new U.S. stimulus package after a disappointing showing on Election Day that left Senator Mitch McConnell potentially with a renewed mandate as majority leader.
The results so far -- with Democrats facing a trimmed majority in the House and long odds for taking the Senate -- point to a smaller Covid-19 relief bill than the roughly $2 trillion that had been discussed by the Trump administration and Democratic leaders before the Nov. 3 election.