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Hopes Fading for Coronavirus Deal as Congress Returns

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - At least there won't be a government shutdown.

   But as lawmakers return to Washington for an abbreviated preelection
   session, hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill -- or
   much else.

   Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last
   month and remain off track, with the bipartisan unity that drove almost
   $3 trillion in COVID-19 rescue legislation into law this spring
   replaced by partisanship and a return to Washington dysfunction.

   Expectations in July and August that a fifth bipartisan pandemic
   response bill would be agreed on despite increased obstacles has been
   replaced by genuine pessimism. Recent conversations about COVID-19 aid
   among key players have led to nothing.

   Democrats seem secure in their political position, with President
   Donald Trump and several Senate GOP incumbents lagging in the polls.
   Trump is seeking to sideline the pandemic as a campaign issue, and
   Republicans aren't interested in a deal on Democratic terms -- even as
   needs like school aid enjoy widespread support.

   Trump said Monday that Democrats "don't want to make a deal because
   they think that if the country does as badly as possible ... that's
   good for the Democrats."

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