Stimulus update: Senate set to vote on PPP extension as Democrats push for larger deal

WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate is set to vote on a bill extending the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses.

Meanwhile, House Democrats say they’re making progress with the Trump Administration on a larger overall deal.

READ: Time running out for stimulus proposal to pass before Election Day

The GOP plan is likely to be blocked by Democrats, who have opposed stand-alone relief bills. This, as the deadline approaches for both sides to reach a deal before the November 3 elections.

Democrats say the Republican Proposals have fallen short of what’s actually needed.

READ: Election questions answered: When will your vote be counted?

“We’ve got brains and we can think,” House Majority Whip James Clyburn said of the discussions. “Nobody wants to give any credit for being willing to negotiate.”

Republicans have accused the Democrats of obstructing efforts to pass additional aid.

"All or nothing. That’s been their position,' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “For months, they blocked bi-partisan aid at every single turn.”

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The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a slimmed down version of a large-scale package with a lower price tag than the one offered by the Democrats, or a “Skinny” relief proposal.

However, that proposal will likely also be blocked by the Democrats as it was last month.

Cox Media Group