COVID-19 Relief Package
Critical Analysis
According to the data from the chart above, what percent of all voters either somewhat support or strongly support the COVID-19 Aid Package?
Describe how party affiliation impacts approval of the COVID-19 relief package?
Do you support or oppose the coronavirus aid package that includes up to $1400 in direct payments to some Americans, funding for schools and local governments and an extension of increased unemployment benefits?
Imagine that poll respondents were asked to judge their support for the coronavirus aid package but the pollsters left out the fact that the bill provides up to $1400 checks for some Americans. How do you think the different wording would have impacted the polling results?
When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was passed it had a 5 point net unfavorable rating. It currently has a 19 point net positive rating. What do you think will happen to the popularity of the COVID-19 relief package over time?
According to the data in the charts below*, how do demographics impact support for the COVID-19 relief package?
The bill enjoys broad support among Americans, including a majority (59%) of Republicans. Despite voter enthusiasm, zero Republican lawmakers voted for the bill (see charts below)*. Explain why GOP lawmakers are opposed to this popular bill.
What does that disconnect between this ill’s popularity and its support from Republican members of congress say about the state of the Republican Party?
Explain whether congress members who voted against this incredibly popular bill will pay a price for their vote at the next election.
The reconciled covid-19 relief bill has now passed the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Describe the final step it must pass through to become a law.
The U.S. Senate numbers 48 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 2 Independents (who caucus with the Democrats). When there is a tie in the Senate the Vice President (currently Kamala Harris) in her role as the President of the Senate has to cast the tie breaking vote. In the case of this bill, Vice President Harris did not have to vote for the bill, but it still passed. Explain this mystery.
Joe Biden will sign this bill on Friday. How will this bill’s passage impact his popularity?
Joe Biden will sign this bill on Friday. How will this bill’s passage impact the U.S. Economy?
Joe Biden has stated that the $1400 checks that individuals will receive will not have his name on them, as is custom. The stimulus checks that went out towards the end of 2020 were signed with then President Trump’s name on them. Make a claim about whether President Biden should have these checks signed with his name.
Learning Extension
Read about some of the goodies in the covid-19 relief bill, and decide if you want some.
Action Extension
Find out how your Senators and Representative voted on the Covid-19 relief bill and tell them what you think about their vote.