Democrats and Republicans in the US Senate each blocked proposals from “across the aisle” yesterday in the latest political standoff in DC. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved to pass legislation to add an additional $250 Billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on top of the original $349 Billion appropriated for the program approved last week. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both Maryland Democrats objected (passage in pro forma sessions requires unanimous consent) and killed the proposal. Democrat Senators then proposed a $500 billion spending bill that included the $250 Billion for the PPP, in addition to another $100 billion for hospitals and $150 billion for state and local government along with an expansion of food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -SNAP). Republicans then objected to the Democratic proposal and the PPP is still capped at $250 billion!