May 4, 2020 — Senate Republicans’ efforts to shield companies from liability during the coronavirus pandemic sets the stage for a showdown with Democrats, as allies of businesses and labor fight over the terms under which the economy will emerge from its partial shutdown.
Senate lawmakers return to Washington this week to start working out the next round of relief for households and businesses, on top of almost $3 trillion approved so far. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who will control the shape of much of the next stimulus package, has called liability protections a must-have “red line” for Republicans, saying he won’t support Democrats’ call for further state and local aid without it.
U.S. businesses fear a wave of litigation as workers in meat-processing facilities, grocery stores and other locations get sick or die from the Covid-19 illness caused by the new coronavirus. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns that the risk of class-action claims and other suits could deter businesses from reopening their doors, even if they are acting in good faith to operate safely. The trade group has endorsed the idea of shielding companies that follow federal and state health-authority guidelines for curbing the spread of Covid-19.