a proposal for a pandemic relief bill on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks alongside a bipartisan group of Democrat and Republican members of Congress as they announce a proposal for a pandemic relief bill on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Lawmakers have been deadlocked for months on another coronavirus relief package. Now millions of Americans who have relied on emergency spending programs during the pandemic are about to see their benefits expire at the end of the year — unless Congress and the White House can agree to a spending deal before the holidays.

NPR correspondents Scott Horsley and Chris Arnold explain what could happen weeks from now if American workers, homeowners, renters and student loan borrowers lose key economic lifelines.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brianna Scott, Brent Baughman, and Connor Donevan. It was edited by Lee Hale with help from Wynne Davis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.

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