July 20, 2020 at 7:06 AM EDT
Senate GOP coronavirus bill leaves out many priorities for Democrats and Republicans, but talks have just begun
Senate Republicans and the Trump administration are preparing a coronavirus package that would pare back enhanced unemployment benefits while probably omitting new aid to cities and states, setting up a divisive struggle with Democrats to pass the last major relief bill before the November election.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) are meeting with President Trump on Monday to discuss the package, expected to cost about $1 trillion. The administration and Senate Republicans have been clashing on some issues — including whether to include billions of dollars for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and other health-care priorities the administration opposes — and they are trying to form a unified front before starting talks with Democrats.
By Jeff Stein and Erica Werner
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