Democrats play ‘game of chicken’ after blocking $1.8trn coronavirus aid plan

Democrat politicians have been accused of playing a “game of chicken” with the US economy after blocking Donald Trump’s massive $1.8 trillion stimulus plan to try to stave off hardships caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell hit out as Republicans scrambled to rescue a deal with Democrats before another vote on the bill this evening.

The row blew up on Capitol Hill as Mr Trump deployed the US National Guard to New York, California and Washington — the three states hardest hit by the virus, which have all been declared disaster zones.

Although there are now more than 35,000 confirmed cases nationwide, with 471 deaths, the President also hinted today that he might soften his stance on the virus after two weeks.

In a tweet, Mr Trump wrote in capitals: “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!”

The mixed messages and the congressional deadlock caused further turmoil on Wall Street.

The US futures market plunged more than four per cent after the proposed economic aid package — which included payouts of up to $3,000 for an average American family as well as aid for small businesses and for devastated industries, such as airlines — was derailed in a stunning setback for the White House.

The party line 47-47 vote in the 100-member Senate was way short of the 60 vote majority needed for the bill to pass.

Senator Rand Paul, the first member of the chamber to contract the virus, was missing together with two fellow Republican politicians who were self-isolating after being in contact with him.

“The American people are waiting, and waiting, and waiting,” Mr McConnell said angrily after the vote. “Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken.”