Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto remains hopeful that a bipartisan deal can be reached on the third bill to respond to the economic turmoil caused by the coronavirus, but she’s concerned about the state’s hospitality industry getting a portion of funds that would be overseen by Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

As the $1 trillion-plus bill is currently written, about $500 billion in loans would be provided to businesses with over 500 employees. The funds would be directed by Mnuchin and the administration would not have to report the recipients of the funds for six months. 

In a phone interview Monday, Cortez Masto believes that the bill gives too much discretion to the White House and that the lack of transparency could make it difficult for badly hurt Nevada industries such as casinos and hotels to receive loans. The provision could make it difficult for lawmakers to advocate for industries in their state.

“It was money that was going to go to the secretary, without any parameters for how and who it should go to,” Cortez Masto said of the provision in the bill. “And not only that, we wouldn't know which businesses or corporations sought loans because there was no transparency, we wouldn't know for six months, who the secretary decided those loans should go to.”

The Nevada Democrat believes that adding parameters on how the funding can be distributed or spent would help ensure the money goes where it can be the most effective.

“I want to make sure our gamers and our industry that really provides not only the economic engine for our state, but provides employment for so many people in the state of Nevada, including small businesses and vendors, and individual workers, that we can access those funds as well,” Cortez Masto said.

Other concerns she and Democrats have with the package, known as phase three, include no direct funding for states, which can also apply for the Mnuchin loans. They also want to add $25 billion to the $75 billion included for hospitals not enough funding for hospitals.

Negotiations on the package are ongoing despite two failed Senate votes after Democrats refused to provide the support required to clear Senate procedural hurdles without a deal in hand. Senate Republicans argued that Democrats were using the crisis for political gain. 

Nevertheless, Cortez Masto said she remains upbeat on the prospects for a deal this week.

“I'd be shocked if we can't reach a deal because we are so close on everything else,” she said citing agreement on funding for small businesses and an expansion of unemployment insurance.

The senator added that the entire delegation is working together to make sure the state gets the support it requires. 

“We are all working together to ensure that Nevada gets the resources it needs to stop the spread of this coronavirus, to treat those who need medical attention and address the economic needs of our struggling families and businesses,” Cortez Masto said.