The possibility of a COVID relief bill helping out U.S. cinemas appear to be dwindling as a ‘lame duck’ session of Congress on Thursday saw House and Senate leaders stick firm to their positions.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi is holding to a demand for a $2.2 trillion package, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has dismissed that figure as far too high ad wants something closer to a half a trillion.
With U.S. President Trump entirely focused on contesting the outcome of the presidential race, and much focus from both sides on a runoff election for two seats in Georgia that could change the face of the U.S. Senate, chances of a stimulus passing are slim.
Exhibitors are counting on a relief package that could include $15 billion for live event venues and smaller theater chains. The stalemate continues as National Association of Theatre Owners John Fithian said to Variety this past weekend that if the government doesn’t pass a new stimulus bill specifically helping cinemas then about 70% of mid and small sized cinemas would be bankrupt or shut down by January.
Source: Variety
