Jobs report poised to light fire under COVID-19 talks

The looming July jobs report is poised to shake up stalled negotiations between the White House and Democrats over another coronavirus stimulus bill as Republicans threaten to walk away from the table.

The national employment report from the Labor Department on Friday morning is projected to show a sharp slowdown after two months of strong job gains. Expectations range from a gain of roughly 1 million jobs to a loss of several thousand following the 8 million added during May and June.

An unexpectedly positive report could buy Trump administration officials more time to negotiate, and even give them some leverage, as President Trump attempts to circumvent Congress with executive action. But a disappointing downturn could spur Trump to strike a quick deal with Democrats to avert deeper economic pain ahead of the November election.

https://thehill.com/policy/finance/510960-jobs-report-poised-to-light-fire-under-covid-19-talks