But as lawmakers straggle back to Washington for an abbreviated preelection session, hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill — or much else. Expectations in July and August that a fifth bipartisan pandemic response bill would eventually be birthed despite increased obstacles has been replaced by genuine pessimism. Democrats seem secure in their political position, with President Donald Trump and several Senate Republican incumbents lagging in the polls. Poisonous relationships among key leaders like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows give little reason for confidence about overcoming obstacles on the cost, scope and details of a potential relief bill. “Now we can focus just on another relief bill, and we’re continuing to do that in good faith,” Vice President Mike Pence said Friday on CNBC.

Source: The Standard September 07, 2020 14:15 UTC