Dems press McConnell on virus aid, but some in the GOP revolt

WASHINGTON — Despite disarray in the Republican ranks, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pushed Wednesday to unveil a draft COVID-19 aid package as the White House resists Democratic demands for more virus testing, state funding and housing eviction protections.

Key GOP senators revolted over the emerging effort as the price tag could quickly swell above $1 trillion. Conservative Republicans vowed to slowwalk passage of any bill. But pressure is mounting as the virus crisis deepens and a $600 weekly unemployment boost and housing relief comes to an end Friday.

“We’re hopeful we’ll be able to get there,” McConnell told reporters.

But some Republicans are resisting more big ticket spending.

“I just don’t see the need for it,” Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told reporters Wednesday.

Exasperated Democrats, who already passed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s more sweeping $3 trillion package, said time is running out for President Donald Trump and his GOP allies to act.

“We’re still on the 20-yard line?” Senate Democrat leader

Chuck Schumer said, referring to White House comments. “Where have the Republicans been?”

The White House negotiators, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Mark Meadows, the president’s acting chief of staff, are expected to head to Capitol Hill later Wednesday.

McConnell’s blueprint is expected to include new round of direct payments to earners below a certain income level, similar to the $1,200 checks sent in the spring. It also will likely have some version of Trump’s demand for payroll tax holiday for workers, which many Republicans oppose.