CBMA and COVID Relief Bill in Jeopardy

We reported yesterday that the Omnibus spending bill had passed Congress. The indication throughout the process was that the President would sign the bill. However, the President is unpredictable and has now thrown a possible wrench in the process announcing he may not sign the bill and requesting Congress to amend it. One of his specific requests is an increase in the COVID-19 relief payments from $600 to $2000 for individuals.

WSSA is working with all of our colleagues on Capitol Hill to get up-to-the-minute information and all associations will be communicating the need to get this bill signed. Our friends at DISCUS have outlined the current perspective on the options ahead, briefly summarized below:

• Congressional members and the public pressure the President to sign the bill as is
• Congress amends the current bill or passes a new bill addressing the concerns listed by the President
• Congress waits to see if the President vetoes the bill and then can potentially override the veto. Should this happen, timing would likely be on December 29.
• The President could refuse to sign anything other than a CR/Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded. The current CR runs out at midnight on December 28.  This would push any other items in the package into the New Year.

We realize this is very concerning for all of you currently taking advantage of the CBMA rates, and we will keep everyone posted as this situation develops. You can help by making your voice heard.  Spirits United is continuing their grass roots campaign and you can visit their Action Center to support CBMA. 

Should you have any questions, please let us know.