COVID-19 Stimulus Package, Resolving the Afghan Government Dilemma, and More.

March 26, 2020

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The U.S. government is spending trillions of dollars in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Louise Sheiner and David Wessel explain where that money is coming from and how massive borrowing during the pandemic will affect the federal debt.

Additionally, Jay Shambaugh lays out the particulars of the stimulus bill in an new episode of The Current, including assistance programs, boosting unemployment insurance, and what’s next to continue protecting workers and the economy.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo just returned from an emergency trip to Afghanistan to resolve a major dilemma within the Afghan government—the fact that the government now exists in two versions in the aftermath of last fall’s disputed presidential elections. Brookings President John R. Allen and Michael O’Hanlon discuss the leadership difficulties and offer ideas on how the United States can continue to help.

President Trump continues to clash with American state governors over “opening the economy.” William Galston explains that the president does not have the constitutional power to force governors to cease their lockdowns in response to COVID-19, but he can help governors by providing them with the tools they need to stop the spread of the virus.

The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars.

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