Pelosi Open to Aid for Airlines But Resists Stimulus-Checks Bill

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signaled openness to an airline-relief bill in a call with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin after President Donald Trump pulled his negotiators from broader stimulus talks.

Pelosi’s receptiveness to stand-alone legislation for airlines doesn’t appear to include other elements of what was to have been a comprehensive relief package, however. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, she rejected pressure from Trump to green-light a bill authorizing $1,200 individual stimulus checks, saying that was insufficient to address the Covid-19 challenge.

Nancy Pelosi speaks during a television interview at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Oct. 7.

Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

With regard to carriers, Mnuchin “inquired about a standalone airlines bill” in a phone call with Pelosi Wednesday ...