Reporter's Notebook: Coronavirus and the era of big government
By Chad Pergram | Fox News
It’s hard to know how much money Congress has forked out to combat coronavirus and attempt to salvage the American way of life and the economy since late February. There’s no precise, econometric way to calculate the “three-and-a-half†bills Congress has approved in recent weeks.
But, the grand total is pushing $3 trillion. The measures have varied from an initial bill costing $8 billion – which started around $1.2 billion – and exploding to a staggering $2.2 trillion on another.
Now, the real action is set to begin on Capitol Hill – at least behind the scenes. Democrats already have been calling for more as Republicans try tapping the brakes.
This is not your customary “big-spending liberal Democrats†vs. “fiscal conservative Republicans,†but it could emerge as a mutation of those archetypes. Many Republicans long ago ceded any authenticity they may have had when it came to “limited government†and measured spending. Blazing through cash like this means the era of “big government†arrived, especially if there is a need for expanded government-associated health care. It may come to that if the federal or state governments help develop enhanced coronavirus testing and contact tracing. We’re talking big money for small businesses, mega money for big businesses, direct payments to Americans idled in their jobs.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/coronavirus-big-government-era-pergram
