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Congressional Negotiators Down to a Few Issues on $900B US Aid Plan

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - Negotiators were down to a handful of issues as they
   sought to finalize an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief
   package Saturday, still optimistic the overdue talks would soon produce
   an agreement. The Senate convened a Saturday session, while House
   members stood by for a vote that will come no earlier than Sunday.

   House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said a provision by Senator Pat
   Toomey, R-Pa., that would curb emergency Federal Reserve powers was the
   biggest hurdle to sealing a deal.

   "That has to be resolved. And then everything will fall into place,"
   she said. "It's a very significant difference."

   Democrats said Toomey's stand on the Fed would deprive President-elect
   Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy.

   Sunday deadline

   A new deadline of midnight Sunday for a government shutdown served as a
   backstop for the tortuous negotiations, which were being conducted in
   secret largely among the top four leaders in Congress.

   "We need to conclude our talks, draft legislation and land this plane,"
   said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

   A spokesman for Pelosi said she told Democratic colleagues on a
   Saturday conference call that "we're right within reach."

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