LOTF: An American Political Roleplay (116th Congress)

[Louisianan]

The Hon. Caroline Simone
[Democratic - 12th District of the State of New York]
{Speaker of the United States House of Representatives}

"With all votes tallied, the RAISE Act is passed by the House of Representatives, and I will engross the bill to be sent to the President's Desk."

With that, Caroline moved to vacate the chair for the coming debate, and the Clerk would read a letter.

"From the Speaker's Chambers, Washington.

I hereby appoint the Honorable John Atang to act as Speaker pro tempore for the remainder of this day.

Caroline Simone
Speaker of the House of Representatives."

Rep. Philip Crawford (D-KY3): "Motion to suspend the rules and take up the DIRE Act."

After biting her nails and tapping her foot,
United States House of Representatives
Representative Linda Lazare
[Democratic - 7th District of the State of Texas]

"Seconded."

[Lavan Tiri]

Representative Jason Evander
R|SD-At-Large

"Objection. This Bill is clearly a piece of Democratic partisanship designed to look good during election year."

[New Cobastheia]

Representative Kathleen Nez
[Democratic - Arizona's 7th District]
[Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives]

At this point in Jason's antics, all Kathleen did was let out a sigh as she looked at him, wondering what happened to the old Jason.

[Lavan Tiri]

Representative Kathleen Nez
[Democratic - Arizona's 7th District]
[Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives]

At this point in Jason's antics, all Kathleen did was let out a sigh as she looked at him, wondering what happened to the old Jason.

Jason glanced over, unable to meet Kathleen's eyes.

He looked over again at Volker.

With a sigh, the big man raised his hand. "Mister Speaker, I rescind my objection."

[New Cobastheia]

Representative Kathleen Nez
[Democratic - Arizona's 7th District]
[Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives]

At this point in Jason's antics, all Kathleen did was let out a sigh as she looked at him, wondering what happened to the old Jason.

Jason glanced over, unable to meet Kathleen's eyes.

He looked over again at Volker.

With a sigh, the big man raised his hand. "Mister Speaker, I rescind my objection."

Kathleen gave back a gentle smile back as a thanks, unsure if Jason would be able to see it, but the meaning was still there.

[Dentali]

Senate Floor


Gardner: I submit the follow bill for consideration and move to suspend all necessary rules to bring it to the floor.

Official Name:1st American Rescue Package

Senate Sponsors: Robert Warrick Jr (R-IN), Levi Murphy (DFL-MN), Andrew Gardner (R-GA), Richard Slater (R-AR), Gordon Callahan (D-AL), Rebecca Trelawney (R-IN), Marcus Bateson (R-TN), Everett Colbert (R-UT), Greg Kost (R-FL), Michelle Brown (R-WY)

House Sponsors: Thomas Volker (R-MO-8), Jay Dietrich (R-AK-AL), Crawford Clay (R-TX-4), John Ruler (R-IA-4), Linda Lazare (D-TX-7),


Section 1: A grant program is established under the Secretary of the Labor to provide aid to improve and modernize state unemployment systems. Funds allocated may be used to update existing records, improve distribution, hire new workers and in general prevent disruption of service, delays in payment of benefits, and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

Section 1A: $2 billion is allocated to this bill in the fiscal year 2020. Any leftover funds must be used in 2021 or returned to the Treasury. No single grant may exceed $45 million in the year 2020.

Section 1B: Individual states must apply for the grant based on the total unemployment in their state, total state population, and the specific needs of the state unemployment systems.

Section 2: The Federal Unemployment benefit is increased by a further $600 per week for the 21 weeks after the passage of this bill, with a cap of 95% of previous earnings.

Section 2A: 20 weeks after the passage of this bill Congress will hold a vote on the extension of this benefit for another 21 weeks.

Section 3: A Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance program is established and managed by the Small Business Administration. This program will allow small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofits, to apply for loans to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occured.

Section 3A: $20 billion is allocated for fiscal year 2020 to carry out this section of the bill.

Section 3B: The loan payment is deferred for one year and interest does not accrue for 5 years. The interest rate for businesses is fixed at 1% and the interest rate for non-profits fixed at .75%. No loan to any single small business or non-profit may exceed $1 million.

Section 3C: An Additional $10 billion is allocated for fiscal year 2020 to small businesses where state government agree to provide matching funds.

Section 3D: 10% of all funding in this section must be allocated to counties which have had a poverty level of 20% or higher for the past 30 years or more.

Section 4: The Employee Retention Tax Credit is hereby created. This tax credit is intended to offset up to 50% of the wages of employees of businesses up to a limit of $10,000. For small businesses with under 100 employees up to 80% of wages may be upset up to $14,000.

Section 4A: Businesses must certify a 50% decline in gross receipts from the same calendar quarter of 2019 in order to qualify for this program.

Section 4B: The Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC, is a fully refundable tax credit applying to wages paid after March 1st, 2020 and before January 1st, 2021.

Section 4C: 6 Months after the passage of this bill Congress will have the option of extending this program to July 1st, 2021.

Section 5: All individuals whose principal residence is within a declared disaster zone have a 60 day mandatory tax payment extension.

Section 6: From March 1st, 2020 to June 1st, 2020 the Payroll tax rate for all individuals living within the United States is 0%. From June 1st, 2020 to August 1st, 2020 the payroll tax for all individuals living within the United States is 2%. From August 1st, 2020 to October 1st, 2020 the payroll tax for all individuals living within the United States is 4%. From October 1st, 2020 to January 1st, 2021 the payroll tax for all individuals living within the United States is 6%. Following January 1st, 2021 the payroll tax rate returns to the level it was at February 1st, 2020.

Section 7: All public K-12 schools in the United States are eligible for individual grants in fiscal year 2020 not exceeding $100,000 per school, to be administered by the Department of Education. Grants must be distributed based on total student population and the rate of revenue per pupil.

Section 7A: $20 billion is allocated for the grant program established in this section. Any funds not used in fiscal year 2020 may be allocated in fiscal year 2021.

Section 7B: 10% of all funding in this section must be allocated to counties which have had a poverty level of 20% or higher for the past 30 years or more.


Section 8: Direct Checks to all Americans making under $65,000 a year or $130,000 for couples filing jointly. 1 week after passage of this bill qualifying Americans will receive a check of $250 with an additional $100 per dependent. 3 weeks after the passage of this bill, qualifying Americans will receive a check of $750 with an additional $100 per dependent.

Section 8A: $250 billion is allocated for this section in fiscal year 2020.

Section 9: Individuals within the meaning of section 1312 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and who are not eligible under title XVIII of the Medicare program, and whose primary residence is in an area with not more than 1 health insurance issuer, are qualified for the Medicare Exchange Health Plan whose goal is to provide access to quality healthcare for all enrollees.

Section 9A: The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make available the Medicare Health Plan in priority areas for both individual and small group markets for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Section 9B: The Secretary shall establish premiums for the health plan to cover the full cost of offering such plans, including administrative costs. Such premiums shall vary geographically and between the small group market and the individual market in accordance with differences in the cost of providing such coverage. If, for any plan year, the amount collected in premiums exceeds the amount required for health care benefits and administrative costs in that plan year, such excess amounts shall remain available to the Secretary to administer the health plan and finance beneficiary costs in subsequent years.

Section 9C: The Secretary shall reimburse health care providers items and services at rates determined for equivalent items and services under the Medicare fee-for-service program.

Section 9D: Prescription Drugs payment rates shall be at a rate negotiated by the Secretary in conjunction with title XVIII

Section 9E: The Secretary may utilize innovative payment methods, including value-based payment arrangements, in making payments for items and services (including prescription drugs) furnished under the health plan.

Section 9F: $10,000,000,000 is appropriated for this section in fiscal year 2020.

Section 10: All Americans who have lost employment or have had hours cut compared to last fiscal quarter since March 1st, 2020 and who fail to pay rent may not be evicted from residences until at least three months following the implementation of this bill.

Section 11: A Grant program is established for all Colleges, Universities, and private educational institutions for fiscal year 2020. Grants will be awarded according to size of the institution and the institution must produce evidence of a loss in gross receipts of 25% or more compared to the same fiscal quarter in 2019. Grants will be awarded in amounts not exceeding $100,000 per institution and will be paid out in installments over the next 4 years on the condition the institution does not raise tuition or cancel scholarship programs in the next 4 years.

Section 11A: 10% of all funding in this section must be allocated to counties which have had a poverty level of 20% or higher for the past 30 years or more.

Section 11B: $10 billion is allocated to this section.

Section 12: The grant funding for The Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance is increased to by $1 billion to $4.75 billion to help respond to home energy needs surrounding the national crisis.

Section 12A: 10% of all funding in this section must be allocated to counties which have had a poverty level of 20% or higher for the past 30 years or more.


This bill is then honorably presented to The House of Representatives for consideration in order to provide immediate financial relief to the American people and is backed by (your character's name) on (insert the date)

Do Not Remove: 1337

Slater (R-AR) cleared his throat.

"SECONDED!"

Warrick: with a second and an objection the Senate will vote on taking up the bill

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Warrick: with a second and an objection the Senate will vote on taking up the bill

Senator Rafael Navarro
[Democratic - State of California]

"No."

---

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

"No."

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar
R|Kansas

Kim raised an eyebrow at Murphy's name on the bill. She quickly voted "Aye" before having a note sent over to Frankie Sullivan.

Your buddy Levi is causing trouble again
-Kim

[Jovuistan]

Warrick: with a second and an objection the Senate will vote on taking up the bill

Senator Rafael Navarro
[Democratic - State of California]

"No."

---

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

"No."

Slater nearly pounded his fist against his desk out of reflex hearing Merriam's vote.

"Aye!"

[Bruke]

Slater (R-AR) cleared his throat.

"SECONDED!"

Warrick: with a second and an objection the Senate will vote on taking up the bill

Senate Minority Leader Karel Volek (D-NY): “Nay.”

Karel sent a very important note to all Senate Dems, except for Callahan, Sullivan, Shah, and other Dems from red states.

I think you all know how I want you to vote on the GOP bill.

Unless you’re representing a red state and need the leeway, vote no.

-Karel

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

Senator Merriam has a large stack of papers on her desk, it's pretty clear that she's prepared to filibuster something. The disapproval and disdain on her face is etched deeply, she's clearly very angry about something.

[Jovuistan]

Senator Augusta Merriam
[Republican - State of New Hampshire]

Senator Merriam has a large stack of papers on her desk, it's pretty clear that she's prepared to filibuster something. The disapproval and disdain on her face is etched deeply, she's clearly very angry about something.

Slater realized what was going on and resisted the strong urge to seethe. He couldn't be caught making a scene in the Senate, not now.

[Azekopolaltion]

Warrick: with a second and an objection the Senate will vote on taking up the bill

Senate Minority Leader Karel Volek (D-NY): “Nay.”

Karel sent a very important note to all Senate Dems, except for Callahan, Sullivan, Shah, and other Dems from red states.

I think you all know how I want you to vote on the GOP bill.

Unless you’re representing a red state and need the leeway, vote no.

-Karel

Tim read the note and shot one back.

What if we let it pass (vote against it but don't put up a big fight) and amend in the House?

[Lavan Tiri]

A note arrived on Augusta's desk, carried by a redheaded young woman from Kim's office.

What's on your mind, pal?

[Bruke]

Senate Minority Leader Karel Volek (D-NY): “Nay.”

Karel sent a very important note to all Senate Dems, except for Callahan, Sullivan, Shah, and other Dems from red states.

I think you all know how I want you to vote on the GOP bill.

Unless you’re representing a red state and need the leeway, vote no.

-Karel

Tim read the note and shot one back.

What if we let it pass (vote against it but don't put up a big fight) and amend in the House?

I think we both know that’ll risk a veto from Tawney. The Republicans will pressure us into conceding even more. Tim, you’re closer to the grassroots than I am... do you really think the base will be happy with that outcome?

[Gordano and Lysandus]

A note arrived on Augusta's desk, carried by a redheaded young woman from Kim's office.

What's on your mind, pal?

Thanks for the letter, Kim. I normally get involved with bipartisan discussions but was excluded from the process. Warrick's acting like an asshole, and his deal with the devil with Murphy is bullshit. Someone's gotta take a stand for bipartisanship on our side. Might as well be me.

[Lavan Tiri]

A note arrived on Augusta's desk, carried by a redheaded young woman from Kim's office.

What's on your mind, pal?

Thanks for the letter, Kim. I normally get involved with bipartisan discussions but was excluded from the process. Warrick's acting like an asshole, and his deal with the devil with Murphy is bullshit. Someone's gotta take a stand for bipartisanship on our side. Might as well be me.

Warrick being a prick? I'm shocked, I really am.
Take your stand, you're probably the only one of us besides Everitt who can.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Warrick being a prick? I'm shocked, I really am.
Take your stand, you're probably the only one of us besides Everitt who can.

Thanks Kim, you're a star. I'll buy you a steak when this bullshit's over. xo Augusta

[Concerned American Workers]

---

Francince Sullivan (D-AK)
Senate Floor

---

The elder Alaskan stood by silently. She would vote for any relief bill and in hopes of avoiding partisanship, it was clear she could not fight for the one bearing her signature to pass. This was, after all, an election year.

[Lavan Tiri]

Warrick being a prick? I'm shocked, I really am.
Take your stand, you're probably the only one of us besides Everitt who can.

Thanks Kim, you're a star. I'll buy you a steak when this bullshit's over. xo Augusta

Kim laughed and flashed Augusta a slight grin. A brief murmur of pain passed through her torso and she put a hand to her chest. Probably just hungry. A steak sounds amazing.

[Jovuistan]

Thanks Kim, you're a star. I'll buy you a steak when this bullshit's over. xo Augusta

Kim laughed and flashed Augusta a slight grin. A brief murmur of pain passed through her torso and she put a hand to her chest. Probably just hungry. A steak sounds amazing.

Slater watched the exchange unfolding between the two women and sent a note to Dunbar.

Is Augusta filibustering?

[Concerned American Workers]

---

Mac Faulhaber (D-TN-9)
House Floor

---

"Aye."

---

John Logan Ruler (R-IA-4)
House Floor

---

"Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make a point of order that a quorum is not present."

[Lavan Tiri]

Kim laughed and flashed Augusta a slight grin. A brief murmur of pain passed through her torso and she put a hand to her chest. Probably just hungry. A steak sounds amazing.

Slater watched the exchange unfolding between the two women and sent a note to Dunbar.

Is Augusta filibustering?

Think so. I wouldn't try and stop her. Let her get some airtime, keeps her seat safe. She's probably the only one who can hold it in our column.

[Jovuistan]

Slater watched the exchange unfolding between the two women and sent a note to Dunbar.

Is Augusta filibustering?

Think so. I wouldn't try and stop her. Let her get some airtime, keeps her seat safe. She's probably the only one who can hold it in our column.

Causing a rift in the party when we've got a bipartisan bill will put our seat in the Oval Office at risk. Dems are playing politics, we need to play lawmakers. Too many Americans face impending doom for these games.

[Dentali]

SENATE FLOOR


Warrick: "All votes tallied the motion passes, the Senate will now.... "

And aide rushed over to Warrick and whispered into his ear

Warrick: "Given the late hour an how unlikely it is we will complete this debate today... The Senate will adjourn for the day and Sit Tomorrow at 8am.

Warrick hit the gavel and left the chamber to make a call