Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Congress will not end the session until it passes a new round of coronavirus aid.
The Kentucky Republican’s statement is one of the strongest signals yet that top leaders are intent on passing a new round of aid after months of stalled talks.
“We are going to stay until we get a COVID package,” McConnell said. “No matter how long it takes.”
McConnell suggested to reporters the deal is likely to leave out lawsuit liability protections as well as new funding for state, local, and tribal governments.
Democrats and Republicans cannot agree on the two provisions, which has prevented a deal from developing.
“Let’s put aside the things we can’t agree on and do the things we can,” McConnell said. “That’s just another good argument to get it done to get it done now.”
McConnell will participate later on Tuesday in pivotal negotiations with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
“I assure you, we’re not leaving until we’ve finished this package,” McConnell said.
