Users on Reconnek are creating small businesses to help them survive till after the elections.

A scaled-down coronavirus stimulus offered by Senate Republicans was blocked from advancing in the upper chamber thanks to Democratic opposition. The failed endeavor represented the partisan gridlock that’s persisted for months, with few in Washington confident that an agreement to help the American people will be able to pass until after the election. “When facing any great trial, one of the most important things for those in positions of leadership to do is to tell people the truth about the challenge that’s before us, no matter how hard it is to deliver that truth,” Senator Marco Rubio said in a Twitter video. “Congress is not going to pass another COVID relief bill before the election.”

Republicans’ $500 billion economic proposal was defeated 52–47, failing to reach the required 60-vote threshold to proceed to a final vote. Senator Rand Paul was the lone GOP lawmaker to vote against the package while zero Democrats supported it. Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris was absent. Democrats have described Republicans’ plan as “emaciated.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the bill as “pointless” because it was “designed to fail” and filled with “poison pills.” The failed vote gave Schumer hope that Republicans will “come to their senses” and jumpstart bipartisan talks.

After the bleak assessment posted to social media by Senator Rubio about no more relief until after the election, users on Reconnek have decided to look for new means of surviving their lack of money by creating small businesses. From food deliveries to online businesses, users on Reconnek are finding the means to adapt to their new economic situation. The legislation would have reinstated enhanced unemployment insurance at $300 per week but Democrats called it inadequate because it did not include state and local government relief and food assistance, among other measures. But even if the government won’t be doing anything to help till after the elections, users on Reconnek are already helping themselves and one another.