Congressional leaders say they are nearing a deal on a $900 billion COVID-relief economic aid package after weeks of gridlock. According to sources speaking to the New York Times, “The top two Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill appeared to be coalescing around a plan that would include both another round of direct stimulus payments to Americans and additional unemployment benefits.” The bill is being worked on simultaneously with an omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government ahead of a Friday deadline. Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, who has famously been prioritizing corporate liability protections above all else, told reporters on Tuesday night at 10 pm as he emerged from negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that, “We’re making significant progress.” Pelosi also appeared optimistic saying, “We’re talking about going forward.” The stimulus checks had been left out of a compromise bill presented by centrists from both parties but now appear to be back in play. 

The depth of the economic crisis was on display as new data showed retail sales falling by 1.1% last month, the largest drop in 7 months, made all the more dramatic because the month of November is traditionally shopping season in the U.S. According to AP, “The biggest drop was at department stores, down 7.7%. Restaurant sales fell 4%.” As CARES Act benefits ran out Americans naturally had less money to spend with millions remaining jobless during the pandemic. 

After Senator McConnell finally decided to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the Presidential race the Republican leader has been busy squelching the pro-Trump parade of lawmakers willing to back the President on baseless claims of election fraud. The Senate Majority leader is apparently telling fellow lawmakers privately to back down on amplifying Trump’s claims. Mr. Trump, predictably disagreed with McConnell’s posture saying it was “too soon to give up.” But Trump continues to command allegiance and inspire extremism among GOP lawmakers with North Carolina State Senator Bob Steinburg publicly calling on Trump to remain in power by declaring a national emergency and invoking the “Insurrection Act.” One of Trump’s strongest loyalists in the Senate, Ron Johnson is apparently planning on Wednesday to introduce a last-ditch coup effort, demanding an investigation of “election irregularities.” Also on Wednesday will be a hearing featuring Christoph...