Negotiations on the stimulus package came to a halt this week when House leaders continued to push the massive HEROES Act package, and the president refused to move forward with such a broad proposal until after Election Day, while proposing some targeting relief measures. The broad proposal is not tailored to COVID-19 relief and would have a significant impact on the ARM industry. Editor’s note: This article is available for members only.
10/8/2020 12:00
The ongoing debate continues—well, potentially not for several weeks—on relief proposals to help consumers and businesses impacted by COVID-19. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump told his aides to stop negotiations with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on the $2.2 trillion relief package that passed along party lines this month.
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives approved the $2.2 trillion relief package and updated version of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) ACT, 214-207, along party lines, ACA International previously reported.
The updated HEROES Act includes components of the original bill that would have a significant impact on the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry related to credit reporting and some restrictions on debt collection during a national emergency, when collectors can actually help consumers more through hardship programs.
At the same time the president halted the negotiations, he proposed approval of targeted relief, including $1,200 stimulus checks and support for expanding the Paycheck Protection Program for industries most impacted by the pandemic, like airlines.
Time seems to a factor on all sides here. The president said the targeted relief measures should be passed by the Senate and House “immediately,” and then a more comprehensive bill would pass after Nov. 3, according to NBC News.
Before Trump’s announcement Tuesday, it was not expected the Senate would consider the complete HEROES Act passed by the House this month.
Either way, ACA wasn’t expecting an agreement before the election and is continuing to advocate with Congress on the proposal and for removing problematic sections on credit reporting and restrictions on collections of consumer debt during a natural disaster or emergency.
Meanwhile, the Senate is also expected to adjourn between Oct. 19 and Election Day after the Senate Judiciary Committee holds confirmation hearings for Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.
The hearings are scheduled beginning at 9 a.m. EDT, Monday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Oct. 15.
Barrett, a judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, has a track record of cases with a narrow reading of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which paints a favorable picture for the Facebook v. Duguid outcome if she is confirmed to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Barrett’s confirmation would also mean a vacancy of her seat on the 7th Circuit that likely would not be filled by the president until 2021. Given the important TCPA rulings out of the 7th Circuit, Barrett’s potential replacement will be one to watch.
ACA members may read more on the outlook for Barrett’s nomination here: Supreme Court Outlook: What Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination Could Mean for the ARM Industry and the TCPA.