Democrats Stalled Paycheck Protection Program for 'Leverage'

In an interview with CNN on Monday evening, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) tried to flip the script on the Paycheck Protection Program. After it became clear the program to help small businesses during the coronavirus crisis would run out of money quickly, Pelosi and her fellow Democrats stalled. Well, on CNN on Monday, she suggested it was all the Republicans' fault.

"When the Secretary [Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin] came and asked me for $250 billion — a quarter of a trillion dollars in 24 hours — I said, 'Well we want to see the data on how that is spent but also we want to make sure — as long as we are going to the floor — that we do so in a way that makes sure that everyone can participate in the program," she told Anderson Cooper.

"They said, no, no, no. Until about 100 hours ago, they said no. And now they've said yes," Pelosi said.

We must take steps to ensure that all who need to can participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. #FamiliesFirst @AC360pic.twitter.com/FWjIGxs8tx— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) April 21, 2020

More