After the deadline for Congress to extend the moratorium, the White House and House Democrats engaged in finger-pointing. Despite the rising number of Delta variant cases, Congress did not pass a ban. This left Pelosi with little time to whip votes in August. She was unable to gather the votes in her own caucus. More than 12 House Democrats opposed the proposed legislation to extend it, and Republicans blocked the attempt to pass an extension through unanimous consent. It is unlikely that 10 Republican senators will vote.Pelosi stated that she was happy for the administration's promise to seek legal authority to stop evictions.Pelosi stated in an email that she and her Democratic House colleagues are optimistic that the initiative to extend the moratorium will succeed as soon as possible for the benefit of families who are on the brink of being evicted.She also said that she was pleased that the president is asking states and municipalities for $46.5 billion to assist tenants in need to pay rent back.House Democratic leaders had asked Biden on Sunday night to direct the CDC not to lift the ban despite possible legal challenges. Top Democrats did not show any signs of letting up on Monday.Jim Clyburn, House Whip, reiterated his demand for the administration's extension of the ban while the White House released its statement Monday afternoon.Pelosi informed House Democrats Monday that Janet Yellen, Treasury Secretary, will brief them Tuesday morning about the distribution of federal rental aid. With oversight from Treasury, the state and local governments disbursed only 6.5 percent of the money during the first six months. This underscores fears that millions of Americans could be homeless if the ban on evictions is not in place.Clyburn mentioned Monday in a phone call to reporters that certain states, including Texas and Virginia, have done a great job getting help out.These programs have shown that even states with slow distribution can see dramatic improvements, he stated.Pelosi directed her members to contact state and local officials to accelerate the disbursement to tenants and landlords. Hill Democrats waited for Biden's reactivation of the eviction moratorium. Pelosi argued that Congress wouldn't be able intervene after legislation to extend ban was blocked in the House. This was expected to happen in the Senate.Pelosi stated that everyone agrees that the eviction crisis poses a huge challenge to our nation's conscience. The House passed the eviction moratorium, but the Senate did not act. Instead, money must flow and the administration must extend the moratorium.
